The prices of solar batteries have experienced a significant reduction following a sharp decline in solar panel prices in the country. Dealers report a 20% decrease in the cost of solar batteries, with some models now more affordable than ever.
For instance, a lithium solar battery that was previously priced at 450,000 PKR is now available for just 380,000 PKR, marking a substantial saving for consumers. Similarly, tubular batteries, which once cost 70,000 PKR, are now being sold for 55,000 PKR, making them more accessible for households and businesses looking to adopt solar energy.
In addition to solar battery price drops, the per-watt cost of solar panels has also decreased to a new low of 28 PKR. Dealers noted that efforts by major importers to increase prices to 33 PKR per watt were unsuccessful, signaling a shift toward more competitive pricing in the market. However, sales of solar panels have slowed due to adverse weather conditions, particularly the smog and cold temperatures in Punjab, which have dampened demand. To adjust, some brands have reduced the prices of solar inverters by 3% to 5%.
Rising temperatures, frequent power outages, and high electricity costs continue to drive the adoption of solar energy across the country, with many people turning to solar panels as an alternative power source.
Federal Minister Owais Laghari recently highlighted that Pakistan imported 8,000 megawatts of solar panels last year, which is equivalent to 30-35% of the electricity generated by China’s world-famous Three Gorges Dam.
With the growing solar market, some companies are planning to establish local manufacturing plants for solar inverters in Pakistan. This move would not only boost the country’s capacity to produce solar systems domestically but also help conserve foreign exchange by reducing reliance on imports.
