A Grassroots Solar Revolution in Pakistan
Pakistan is experiencing one of the most rapid solar revolutions in the world, driven by a combination of economic, environmental, and technological factors. This transformation has caught the attention of global energy experts, who are closely watching how this South Asian nation is redefining its approach to renewable energy.
The Rise of Solar Panels
In recent years, the sight of deep-blue solar panels has become increasingly common across Pakistan. These panels now cover rooftops in major cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, as well as the perimeters of homes in rural villages. The country’s solar boom is not just a result of government policy but is largely driven by market forces and individual initiatives.
According to data from the climate think tank Ember, Pakistan imported 17 gigawatts of solar panels in 2024, more than double the previous year. This makes it the third-largest importer of solar panels globally. The influx of affordable Chinese solar panels has played a significant role in this surge, making solar energy accessible to a broader segment of the population.
Economic Factors Driving Adoption
One of the key drivers behind the solar revolution is the sharp increase in electricity prices. Over the past three years, electricity costs in Pakistan have risen by 155%, according to Mustafa Amjad, program director at Renewables First. This rise is attributed to several factors, including the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee, falling electricity demand, and the impact of global events such as Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The unreliable nature of grid electricity, with frequent blackouts lasting multiple hours, has also pushed many households and businesses to seek alternative power sources. As a result, solar energy has emerged as a practical and cost-effective solution for those who can afford it.
A Bottom-Up Approach
Unlike many other countries that rely on large-scale government subsidies or policies to promote renewable energy, Pakistan’s solar boom is largely grassroots-driven. There is no centralized push from the government; instead, the adoption of solar energy has been fueled by individual choices and market dynamics.
Waqas Moosa, chair of the Pakistan Solar Association and CEO of Hadron Solar, describes this as a “perfect storm” of factors. The falling cost of solar panels, combined with high electricity prices, has created an environment where people are actively choosing solar as a viable option.
This shift is not just about affordability; it’s also about empowerment. Moosa compares the solar revolution to the rise of social media, where individuals can bypass traditional systems and take control of their own resources. In the same way that platforms like TikTok and Instagram have allowed people to become publishers, the solar revolution is enabling Pakistanis to become both consumers and producers of electricity.
Challenges and Concerns
While the solar boom presents numerous opportunities, it also comes with challenges. One major concern is the potential strain on Pakistan’s power grid. As more people switch to solar energy, the revenue generated by utility companies may decrease, leading to higher costs for those still reliant on the grid. This could create a “death spiral” where expensive electricity pushes more people away from the grid, further destabilizing the system.
Experts warn that without proactive planning and investment, the grid may struggle to cope with the rapid transition to solar energy. Asha Amirali, a research associate at the University of Bath, highlights the growing divide between the rich and the poor. Solar energy is currently accessible only to those with sufficient financial resources, leaving others dependent on expensive and unreliable fossil fuel-based grids.
Broader Implications
Despite these challenges, the solar revolution in Pakistan offers valuable lessons for other countries facing similar issues. Harjeet Singh, climate advocate and founding director of Satat Sampada Climate Foundation, emphasizes that falling solar costs make renewables the most rational economic path away from fossil fuels. However, he also stresses the importance of timely investment and planning to ensure grid stability.
The case of South Africa provides a cautionary tale. While the country experienced a rapid uptake of solar in 2023 due to erratic electricity supply, the trend reversed when the government invested in improving the grid. This underscores the need for a balanced approach that combines renewable energy expansion with infrastructure upgrades.
The Future of Energy Transition
For now, Pakistan stands as a poster child for energy transition in the developing world. Its story demonstrates that clean energy can be both affordable and desirable, even in the absence of large-scale government support. Analysts believe that the success of this model could inspire similar transitions in other regions facing high electricity costs and unreliable grids.
However, the country must navigate the complexities of its solar boom carefully. If managed poorly, the transition could lead to unintended consequences, such as increased inequality and grid instability. The stakes are high, and the global community is watching closely.
As the solar revolution continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Pakistan will emerge as a model for sustainable energy or face the challenges of an unregulated transition. For now, the country’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the potential and pitfalls of decentralized, market-driven energy solutions.
