The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued guidelines for solar panel installations across the province, mandating that only experts approved by the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) handle setups following a 25% drop in solar panel prices in Pakistan, driven by proposed cuts in net metering rates.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has ordered immediate inspections of solar panel systems installed on sensitive public buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and government offices, due to safety concerns stemming from recent windstorm accidents. These installations must follow standardised and certified procedures to prevent potential collapses, as 70% of storm-related casualties have been linked to inadequately secured solar panels.
District administrations are responsible for issuing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to all stakeholders, including solar vendors and building owners.
Top A-Grade Solar Panel Prices
| Brand/Model | Price (Rs) |
|---|---|
| Imported 545W | 16,500 |
| JA 540W Single Glass | 19,000 |
| Canadian 555W Tier 1 | 19,500 |
| JA 540W Double Glass | 19,000 |
| Canadian 545W Single Glass | 19,000 |
| JA 530W Single Glass | 19,000 |
| Longi 550W Single Glass | 20,000 |
| Canadian Topcon 575W | 20,500 |
B-Grade Solar Panels
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| Brand/Model | Price (Rs) |
|---|---|
| JA 550W B Grade | 17,050 |
| Jinko 550W B Grade | 17,600 |
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Longi Solar Panel Prices
Longi A-Grade Panel Price List
| Brand/Model | Price (Rs) |
|---|---|
| 555W Single Glass A Grade | 19,400 |
| 550W Single Glass A Grade | 19,800 |
JA Solar Panel Prices
JA Solar A-Grade Panel Price List
| Brand/Model | Price (Rs) |
|---|---|
| 540W Double Glass/Bifacial A Grade | 18,300 |
| 540W Single Glass A Grade | 17,800 |
Jinko Solar Panel Prices
Jinko N-type A-Grade Panel Price
| Brand/Model | Price (Rs) |
|---|---|
| N-type 575W A Grade | 20,100 |
Solar Price Drop and Net Metering Controversy
The prices of solar panels, including Grade-A 585-watt panels, have dropped from Rs22,000 to Rs16,500 in areas like Hyderabad, indicating a 25% decrease in the market. The government’s plan to reduce net metering buyback rates, intended to encourage renewable energy adoption, has created uncertainty in the sector.
The Solar Association, led by Chairman Adil Mahmood, has criticised these rate cuts as a “U-turn” on previous efforts to promote solar investments, suggesting that such changes undermine the industry’s growth.
In 2024, Pakistan became the world’s largest importer of solar panels, with an impressive 17 GW of imports, driven by rising electricity costs.
The Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) is implementing safety measures in response to storm-related incidents, essential for ensuring sustainable growth in the solar sector. However, recent cuts to net metering rates may reduce incentives for solar adoption, potentially affecting the market for installers approved by the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB). Meanwhile, initiatives in Punjab, such as the Chief Minister’s Solar Scheme, align with the province’s renewable energy goals.
