Is solar PV a viable long-term solution to Pakistan's energy needs?

The country has been facing a significant energy de-ficit for the past decade, with power shortfalls stan-ding at 5 GW8 and load shedding across the country varying between 5 to 12 hours a day, with rural areas bearing the brunt of load shedding. Solar PV could be a viable and cost-efective long-term solution to meet Pakistan’s energy needs.

Why is classification of PV equipment not possible in Pakistan?

Classification of equipment into ‘tiers’ is currently not possible due to the lack of quality standards in Pakistan. The availability of high-quality products and services is limited to a handful of companies working in the country’s PV market.

Are PV panels imported into Pakistan?

Apart from minor accessories such as wiring and panel mounting structures, 80 percent of PV compo-nents are currently being imported into the country. Currently, five companies in Pakistan are conducting the local ‘assembly’ of panels. However, imported panels are preferred. The PV panel landscape in the country is provided in Figure 9 below.

Why are Pakistan's PV module imports growing so fast?

Pakistan's module imports will grow steadily amid rising demand in the coming years. Pakistan's provinces also play a crucial role in the PV industry.

Why is PV demand increasing in Pakistan?

In addition to the completion of utility-scale projects, residential PV demand has gradually increased due to rising electricity prices and improved net metering systems. The value of Pakistan's customs imports of modules has grown yearly, with a more significant surge in the past two years.

Does Pakistan have a high-quality PV system?

Pakistan has a huge PV potential and all the neces-sary conditions for its implementation: high radiation yield, a regulatory framework and financing instru-ments that support its development. However, the level of awareness of quality of PV is very low and customers are still not aware of the benefits of high-quality products.