Amid prolonged load-shedding and rising electricity costs, the price of solar panels has surged by up to Rs8,500, further increasing the financial burden on consumers who are increasingly turning to solar energy as an alternative power source.
In Karachi, residents seeking relief from power outages, complain that solar systems, once considered an affordable alternative, are now becoming out of reach.
According to market sources, the price of a 585-watt solar panel has surged by up to Rs8,500, pushing its cost to nearly Rs25,000. Consumers expressed shock at the sudden increase.
Sellers attribute the rise to increased demand during the summer season.
However, importers believe that the price hike is mainly due to profiteering, arguing that despite Pakistan importing 15,000 to 16,000 containers of solar panels annually, such sharp increases are unjustified.
Along with solar panels, prices of inverters and batteries have also seen a major rise, further worsening the burden on consumers.
Experts warn that if the market is not regulated, access to alternative energy sources will become increasingly difficult for the average person, while citizens have urged authorities to take immediate action to control prices.
