Section 1
On-grid vs Hybrid vs Off-grid — which is right for you?
This is the single most important decision you'll make. Getting it wrong means either a system that shuts down during load-shedding, or spending Rs 200,000+ extra on batteries you don't need.
| Feature | On-grid | Hybrid | Off-grid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works during load-shedding? | No — shuts down | Yes — battery backup | Yes — fully independent |
| Net metering (sell to grid)? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Battery required? | No | Yes | Yes (large bank) |
| Cost for 5kW system | Rs 450–550k | Rs 650–800k | Rs 900k–1.2M |
| Payback period | 3–4 years | 4–6 years | 6–10 years |
| Best for | Offices, factories with stable grid | Most Pakistani homes | Remote areas, no grid access |
Our recommendation for Pakistan: Hybrid for 90% of homes. On-grid shuts down during load-shedding — which defeats the entire purpose for most Pakistani households. The extra cost of a battery bank pays for itself in peace of mind and actual uptime.
Section 2
Real solar costs in Pakistan — 2025
Prices dropped significantly in 2023–2024 as import duties on panels were reduced. Here are the honest market rates — not the inflated quotes some installers give.
| System size | On-grid cost | Hybrid cost | Suitable for | Monthly saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | Rs 270–330k | Rs 400–480k | Small home, Rs 8–15k bill | Rs 7–12k |
| 5 kW | Rs 450–550k | Rs 650–800k | Medium home, Rs 15–25k bill | Rs 12–20k |
| 8 kW | Rs 720–880k | Rs 1.0–1.2M | Large home, Rs 25–45k bill | Rs 20–35k |
| 10 kW | Rs 900k–1.1M | Rs 1.3–1.6M | Kothi / commercial, Rs 40k+ bill | Rs 30–50k |
Warning — inflated quotes are common. Many installers quote 30–50% above market rate, especially for inverters and batteries. Always get 3 quotes. If one quote is Rs 200,000 higher than the others for the same spec, ask for an itemised breakdown. Use our consultation service to have an engineer review your quotes before you pay.
What drives the cost difference between quotes: Panel brand and efficiency (JA Solar, LONGi, Canadian Solar vs. no-name brands), inverter brand (Solis, Growatt, Huawei vs. local copies), lithium vs. lead-acid batteries, quality of wiring and protection devices (MCBs, surge protection), and installation labour.
Section 3
Peak sun hours by city — Pakistan
Peak sun hours determine how much electricity your panels generate per day. More sun hours = smaller system needed for the same output. Pakistan is fortunate — even the lowest cities get more sun than most of Europe.
Quetta
6.4 hrs
Balochistan — best in Pakistan
Karachi
5.9 hrs
Sindh — excellent
Hyderabad
5.8 hrs
Sindh — excellent
Multan
5.5 hrs
Punjab — very good
Lahore
5.2 hrs
Punjab — good
Faisalabad
5.2 hrs
Punjab — good
Islamabad
5.0 hrs
Capital — good
Peshawar
4.8 hrs
KPK — moderate
Gilgit
4.5 hrs
GB — viable
How to use this: A 5kW system in Karachi (5.9 hrs) generates 5 × 5.9 × 0.8 = 23.6 kWh/day. The same 5kW system in Peshawar (4.8 hrs) generates only 19.2 kWh/day — 18% less. This is why city-specific calculation matters.
Section 4
Battery sizing for load-shedding — the honest guide
This is where most Pakistanis get misled. Installers either oversell large battery banks you don't need, or undersell batteries that leave you in the dark after 2 hours. Here's how to calculate it correctly.
Step 1: Decide what you want to run during load-shedding. You don't need to run everything — just essentials. A realistic load-shedding load for most homes is 4–6 fans, lights, and the fridge. That's typically 600–900W, not the 3,000W full-house load.
Step 2: Calculate your battery requirement.
Required Ah = (Backup Load in W × Hours) ÷ (Voltage × Efficiency × Depth of Discharge)
Example: 800W × 6 hours ÷ (48V × 0.95 × 0.80) = 131 Ah
→ 2× 100Ah lithium batteries at 48V
Example: 800W × 6 hours ÷ (48V × 0.95 × 0.80) = 131 Ah
→ 2× 100Ah lithium batteries at 48V
| Battery type | Lifespan | Cost (100Ah 48V) | Depth of discharge | Pakistan suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium (LiFePO4) | 8–12 years | Rs 80–120k | 80% | Best choice |
| Lead-acid (AGM/Gel) | 2–4 years | Rs 25–40k | 50% | Budget option |
| Lead-acid (Tubular) | 3–5 years | Rs 20–35k | 40% | Low budget |
Lithium is almost always worth it in Pakistan. Despite the higher upfront cost, lithium batteries last 3–4× longer than lead-acid in Pakistan's heat. Over 10 years you replace lead-acid 3 times vs. lithium once. Total cost is usually lower with lithium. They also charge much faster — important when load-shedding is unpredictable.
Section 5
Net metering in Pakistan — how it actually works
Net metering lets you sell excess solar electricity back to your DISCO at the same rate you buy it. Your meter runs backwards when you produce more than you consume. Over a billing period, you only pay for the net units consumed.
1
Install an approved on-grid or hybrid solar system. Must be installed by an AEDB-licensed installer. Off-grid systems cannot participate in net metering.
2
Apply to your DISCO. Contact LESCO, FESCO, IESCO, K-Electric, or your relevant DISCO. Submit the application form, system details, single-line diagram, and installer licence copy.
3
DISCO inspection. An engineer visits to inspect the installation and confirm safety compliance. This typically takes 2–6 weeks depending on your DISCO.
4
Bi-directional meter installation. DISCO replaces your old meter with a smart bi-directional meter. Application fee: Rs 15,000–25,000 depending on DISCO.
5
Start selling excess electricity. From the next billing cycle, your bill reflects net consumption. In summer months with high generation, many customers receive near-zero bills.
Important: Net metering processing times vary widely by DISCO. IESCO (Islamabad) tends to be fastest at 4–8 weeks. Some DISCOs in smaller cities can take 3–6 months. Factor this into your payback calculations.
Section 6
The 7 most common and costly mistakes Pakistani solar buyers make
1
Buying on-grid when you have load-shedding. On-grid systems shut down completely during load-shedding as a safety requirement. If your area has 4+ hours of daily outages, on-grid gives you no backup. You need at minimum a hybrid system.
2
Undersizing the inverter. Your AC draws 3–4× its running wattage on startup. A 5kW inverter paired with a 1.5-ton non-inverter AC + fridge + fans will trip on startup surge. Always size the inverter 25–30% above your calculated peak load.
3
Not switching to inverter ACs first. A non-inverter 1.5-ton AC draws 2,000W. An inverter AC draws 900W. Switching before going solar reduces your required system size by 20–30% — saving Rs 100,000–200,000 on the solar system itself.
4
Accepting the first quote. The difference between quotes for identical specifications can be Rs 150,000–300,000. Always get minimum 3 quotes. Ask for an itemised breakdown — panel model, inverter model, battery model, cable specs, and labour separately.
5
Buying cheap no-brand panels. Unbranded Chinese panels may cost Rs 2,000 less per panel but degrade 2× faster. Over 25 years, a branded panel (JA, LONGi, Canadian Solar) with proper warranty pays back the price difference many times over.
6
Skipping earthing and surge protection. Pakistan has frequent voltage surges and lightning. A Rs 15,000 surge protection device can save your Rs 150,000 inverter. Always insist on proper earthing, DC and AC surge protection, and disconnect switches.
7
Not cleaning panels. Pakistan's dust reduces panel output by 15–25% within weeks. Clean panels monthly in summer, every 2–3 weeks in Lahore or dusty areas. A Rs 0 water hose in the morning before the sun is on the panels takes 10 minutes and can add Rs 3,000/year to your savings.
Section 7
How to buy solar the right way in Pakistan
Follow this process and you will avoid 95% of the problems Pakistani solar buyers face.
1
Calculate your actual load. Use our Load Calculator to get your real daily kWh and system size. Don't let an installer size your system without this data.
2
Get an independent design first (optional but recommended). Our consultation service gives you a professional wiring schematic and component list before you approach any installer. This means installers can't substitute inferior components without you noticing.
3
Get 3 itemised quotes. From AEDB-licensed installers only. Insist on the exact brand and model number for every component — panels, inverter, batteries, cables, MCBs. Compare components, not just totals.
4
Verify the installer's licence. Check AEDB's website (aedb.org.pk) for the installer's licence number. Unlicensed installers can't do net metering, and their work isn't covered by any warranty framework.
5
Insist on a written contract. Must include: exact component list with model numbers, installation timeline, workmanship warranty (minimum 1 year), and what happens if components are substituted without consent.
6
Pay in stages, not upfront. Standard practice: 30–40% on signing, 40–50% on delivery of components to your home (verify everything before paying), and 10–20% on completion and commissioning.
7
Apply for net metering immediately after installation. Don't delay — the application process takes weeks and your payback period starts the day your meter goes bi-directional.
Use our free tools: Calculate your system with the Solar Calculator, design it visually with the System Builder, or get a professional design with our Engineering Consultation.