Solar panel prices have surged across Pakistan since the beginning of the year, leaving buyers in local markets paying significantly more for widely used Chinese models.
Traders say the cost of popular panels in the 585 watt, 645 watt, and 720 watt range has risen by an average of around Rs 5,000. A 585 watt panel that previously sold for Rs 16,000 to Rs 17,000 is now priced between Rs 20,000 and Rs 21,000.
The 645-watt model has increased from nearly Rs 20,000 to about Rs 24,000 to Rs 25,000. The sharpest increase has been seen in the 720-watt category, with prices jumping from Rs 22,000 to Rs 25,000 and as high as Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000.
Saleem Memon, a solar panel importer and vice president of the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, told The Express Tribune that rising global prices of silver and copper have pushed up production costs for Chinese manufacturers. As a result, he said, the per watt price of solar panels has increased from Rs 22 to Rs 33 over the past five months.
He warned that strong demand in Pakistan, combined with further price hikes in China, could drive the per watt rate to Rs 40 in the coming months. He also pointed to taxes on imported Chinese panels as a major factor behind the higher rates.
Memon added that competition in solar technology continues to affect market trends, though Pakistan still holds large stocks due to heavy imports over the past two years.
He noted that the rise is not limited to panels alone. Batteries used in solar systems have also become more expensive, with prices increasing by about 10 percent over the last month.