In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, small businesses and households are taking matters into their own hands by switching to solar energy due to frequent power outages and rising electricity tariffs. The shift to solar energy is driven by necessity, with many consumers lacking a reliable power supply. The provincial government has launched a 55-billion-rupee project to solarize 130,000 low-income households in high-load-shedding areas, but more needs to be done.
China’s aggressive push into Pakistan’s solar energy market has made the transition easier, with intense competition among manufacturers driving down panel prices. However, a major affordability gap remains, with low-income families struggling to access batteries and inverters. The government is providing limited assistance, and subsidies or financing options for households are scarce.
Experts say governments need to focus on financing solutions to make solar energy more accessible to all. Countries like India and Bangladesh have successfully expanded solar power access through micro-financing, government-backed loans, and subsidies for battery storage. If similar policies are introduced in Pakistan, millions of households could transition to solar power, easing pressure on the grid and improving energy access in rural areas.
The article highlights Muhammad Imran, a 26-year-old entrepreneur who invested in a rooftop solar system, which has provided him with an uninterrupted power supply. His story is mirrored by many others, including Masood Shah, who upgraded his off-grid solar inverter to an 8-KV hybrid system. Neelam Bibi, a mother of six, is planning to install a rooftop solar system but is struggling to afford the cost of batteries and inverters.
The article concludes by emphasizing the need for governments to prioritize a sustainable energy transition, provide affordable solar solutions, and promote a circular energy storage ecosystem. While Pakistan is one of the fastest-growing solar markets in Asia, with an estimated 22 gigawatts of solar panels imported in 2024 alone, more needs to be done to make solar energy accessible to all.