Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable energy source that is becoming increasingly popular in Pakistan. A decade ago, installing a solar system would only be a dream, as the solar panel prices were too high. But in the last 5-6 years, the prices of solar panels (also called solar plates in Pakistan) have decreased significantly. That has enabled many to adopt solar power in Pakistan. Per Gallup Pakistan, around 20% of homes have installed solar panels on their homes in Pakistan (though not all of them are proper solar systems but just a panel or two). But that’s an old survey. As of October 2024, more than 40% of homes have solar panels on their rooftops, even if they are just DC systems run by small solar panels.
Solar panels make up a bigger chunk of the cost of solar systems. If you are about to install a solar system and want to know solar panel prices in Pakistan, read on. In this article, we will have a look at the following:
- Solar panel price in Pakistan (per watt)
- What to consider while choosing solar panels?
- Longi solar panel prices in Pakistan
- Prices of Jinko solar panels in Pakistan
- JA solar panel price in Pakistan
- Trina solar panels price in Pakistan
- Canadian solar panels price in Pakistan
- Max Power solar panel price in Pakistan
- Which solar panel is right for your home?
Solar Panel Price in Pakistan
The prices of solar panels are constantly changing, sometimes going up, sometimes down. As of October 2024, the average solar panel price in Pakistan is between Rs. 28 and Rs. 32 per watt. This is the data of the end of September 2024, recorded at Rawalpindi/Islamabad. At the moment, the prices of solar panels have come considerably down compared to the beginning of 2023 when the prices hovered around Rs. 130/watt. See the graph below.
Based on the present rates, it means that you could get a 550-watt solar panel at a cost of around PKR 17,000 to PKR 19,000. However, the price can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose, the prevailing exchange rate, the brand, and the quality.
Let’s talk about the factors, as that would give you a better idea about how to choose your solar panels. Before that, here is a disclaimer.
Disclaimer: The prices mentioned here are only to give you an idea. It is accurate as of today, but the prices of solar panels are prone to change, especially these days, due to the volatile USD to PKR exchange rate and import policies. Due to the strengthening of PKR, ease of import, and the talk of Europe closing their doors on Chinese solar panel manufacturers, the prices of solar panels have declined. The following graph shows this. If you want to install a system, contact us, and we will give you a quote based on today’s rates.
BEWARE: In the market, fake solar panels are sold as genuine solar panels. Their prices are often lower, but their performance is below the standard. As per this report and our experience, many traders are selling B-Grade and C-Grade solar panels as genuine panels. So, beware and make sure that you buy only A-Grade panels if you are paying for A-Grade panels.
Factors That Affect the Price of Solar Panel in Pakistan
If you want to install solar panels, there are a few things you need to be careful about. The cost of solar panels depends upon certain factors—some installers may quote you a lower price, and you have to confirm that they’re asking the right price for the types of panels they’re installing for you.
You can judge that based on the following parameters:
Tier-1 vs. Tier-2 Solar Panels
Tier 1 solar panels are generally a little more expensive than tier 2 panels.
The tiering system was developed by BloombergNEF to give transparency to people about solar manufacturers. Tier 1 panels are considered high-quality panels from well-established, reputable manufacturers. These companies have a strong track record of product quality, experience, and financial stability. Longi, Jinko, and Canadian Solar are some examples of tier-1 solar panels.
Tier 2 panels, on the other hand, are usually from manufacturers that may not have the same level of financial stability or established track record as tier 1 companies.
Note one thing, however. Tiers are only about the company’s financial stability and not the quality of panels. As per the existing tiering system, some brands may be considered tier-2, but their panels would still be high quality and offer good warranties. A better parameter would be to look at the grade of the panel. The grading system is used for assessing the quality of solar panels.
A-Grade vs. B-Grade Solar Panels
A-grade solar panels are the highest quality solar panels available. They are made with the best materials and have the highest efficiency ratings. A-grade solar panels are also the most visually appealing, with no visible defects.
B-grade solar panels are still high-quality solar panels, but they may have some minor cosmetic defects, such as scratches or blemishes. These defects do not affect the solar panel’s performance, but they may make the panel less visually appealing. For instance, if the glass is tinted during the manufacturing process or the cells are not in the perfect shape, it would be graded as B, even though the performance would still be up to the mark.
The main difference between A-grade and B-grade solar panels is the price. B-grade solar panels are typically 10-20% cheaper than A-grade solar panels. For instance, if A-grade 545-watt Longi panels cost Rs. 20,000, B-grade Longi panels of the same wattage would come at around Rs. 16,000.
A solar system for everyone.
We’re customer-centric; we will find you a solution within your budget. Whatever your project size, you can always save with Ecospark Solar.
Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels
Monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient, take up less space, and are more expensive than polycrystalline solar panels. This is because monocrystalline solar panels are made from a single crystal of silicon, while polycrystalline solar panels are made from multiple crystals of silicon. The manufacturing process for monocrystalline solar panels is more complex and expensive. You can ignore this factor, as the currently, the difference is not much.
Related Read: How Much Power Do Solar Panels Produce?
Simple vs. PERC Panels
PERC solar panels are more efficient because they reduce the sunlight reflected away from the solar cell. They do this by using a special coating on the back of the solar cell. This coating traps the sunlight and helps to convert it into electricity.
PERC solar panels also require more advanced manufacturing processes than simple solar panels. This is because the coating on the back of the solar cell is very delicate and difficult to apply.
Since their manufacturing process is more complex, they are more expensive than simple solar panels.
Currently, almost all panels are PERC. Still, it is better to confirm this from your installer.
Brand of Solar Panels
Lastly, the brand of solar panels. In Pakistan, many solar panel brands are available, such as Canadian Solar, Trina, Longi, Jinko, JA, Inverex, etc. There are others, such as Tesla, but they are not easily imported and will be the most expensive. Among the easily available brands, Canadian solar panels are the most expensive, followed by Trina, Longi, Jinko, JA, Inverex, Sunlife, etc.
That said, the price difference between different tier 1 panels may not be quite high, and the quality won’t be much different.
Interesting Read: How to Size a Solar System for My House in Pakistan?
Prices of Solar Panels in Pakistan by Brand
The prices mentioned here are for Karachi. You can expect a bit higher price in Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, etc.
Longi Solar Panels Price in Pakistan
Longi Solar is a Chinese solar panel manufacturer that is one of the leading solar panel brands in the world, especially in Pakistan. Longi Solar panels are known for their high quality and efficiency. The price of Longi Solar panels in Pakistan is around Rs. 17,000 to 19,000. This range is for A-Grade Longi Himo-5, Himo-6 and Himo-6 X solar panels. The difference in the prices is due to the wattage of the panel; they may come in various capacities, from 540 to 580 watts.
We don’t deal in B-grade panels, so not sure about their prices. It could be around 15,000-16,000.
Price of Jinko Solar Panels in Pakistan
Jinko Solar is another Chinese solar panel manufacturer that is a leading brand in the global solar panel market and is quite popular in Pakistan. The price of 550W Mono PERC Jinko Solar panels in Pakistan is around Rs. 18,000 to 20,000, depending if it is double-glass or single.
Jinko N-Type is my personal favorites!
Price of Canadian Solar Panels in Pakistan
Canadian Solar panels are known for their high quality and performance. A 550W monocrystalline solar panel of Canadian would cost you roughly Rs. 24,000.
Like Jinko. Canadian also offers double-glass and single-glass. The price of double-glass is a couple of rupees above single-glass. Like Jinko N-Type, Canadian N-Type panels are also the best and if it is double glass, then wow!
JA Solar Panels Price in Pakistan
Ja Solar is also a Chinese solar panel manufacturer that is known for its high quality and value for money. They are better panels, having been a part of many government projects. The price of JA Solar 550W Mono PERC panels in Pakistan is around Rs. 18,000. Depending upon the grade and whether it is simple or PERC, the price could be in the range of 16,500 to 18,000.
Trina Solar Panels Price in Pakistan
Trina Solar is another Chinese solar panel manufacturer and one of Pakistan’s leading solar panel brands. Some people rely on Trina more than other brands mentioned above. The price of Trina Solar panels in Pakistan is around Rs. 32 per watt. So, you will have to pay around 19,000 to get a 590W Trina solar panel.
MaxPower Solar Panels Price in Pakistan
Max Power Solar is a Pakistani solar panel manufacturer, one of the leading solar panel brands in the Pakistani market. While it is a local brand, it is not a cheaper brand as many would expect. You can expect to pay the same or even more for MAxPower panels.
Solar panel prices in Pakistan have come down significantly in recent years, making solar energy a more affordable option for homeowners and businesses. The price of a solar panel will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of solar panel, the brand, and the quality. However, the average solar panel price in Pakistan is between Rs. 29 and Rs. 34 per watt.
You May Want to Know: Solar Payback Period in Pakistan and How to Calculate it?
Best Solar Panels in Pakistan: Which Type of Solar Panel is Right for You?
The best type of solar panel for you will depend on your budget and your needs. If you are looking for the most efficient solar panel and don’t mind paying a premium, then monocrystalline, PERC, double-glass solar panels are the best choice for you. The brand could be any tier 1 brand, some of which we discussed above.
However, if you are on a budget and don’t mind slightly lower efficiency ratings, then polycrystalline solar panels are a great option. A better alternative, I believe, could also be the Mono PERC B-grade option of tier 1 brands. That way, you could save a few thousand per panel. Personally, I would not recommend that, especially given the low prices of solar panels these days.
It is also important to consider the available space on your roof. Monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient, so you will need fewer panels to generate the same amount of electricity as polycrystalline solar panels. This means that monocrystalline solar panels are a good choice for homes with limited roof space.
If you are unsure which type of solar panel is right for you, we are here to guide you every step of your journey. Contact us and we will assess your needs and recommend the best type of solar panel for your home within budget. After all, at Ecospark Solar, it is all about solar and you.
