Solar panel prices in Pakistan have risen sharply in early 2026, with popular Chinese models seeing increases of around Rs 5,000 per panel in local markets.
The jump affects high-wattage imported panels that many households and businesses rely on for solar setups. Retailers now charge Rs 20,000 to Rs 21,000 for a 585-watt panel, up from Rs 16,000 to Rs 17,000 just weeks ago. A 645-watt panel costs Rs 24,000 to Rs 25,000, compared to about Rs 20,000 earlier. The biggest change hits the 720-watt category, where prices have climbed to Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000 from Rs 22,000 to Rs 25,000.
Saleem Memon, a solar panel importer and vice president of the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, linked the rise to higher global costs of silver and copper. These materials drive up production expenses for Chinese manufacturers. He said the per-watt price has moved from Rs 22 to Rs 33 over the past five months. Memon warned that continued strong demand in Pakistan, combined with possible further increases from China, could push the per-watt rate toward Rs 40 soon. Import taxes on Chinese panels add to the pressure.
Despite the higher costs, Pakistan maintains large stocks from heavy imports in recent years. Local competition among different panel types also shapes market rates.
The price rise extends beyond panels. Solar batteries, a key part of off-grid and hybrid systems, have gone up by about 10% in the last month alone. This makes full solar installations more expensive at a time when many turn to them to escape high electricity bills and frequent outages.
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No major official response from the government has emerged yet on easing import duties or supporting solar adoption amid these changes. Traders expect prices to stay elevated unless raw material costs drop globally.
