(Web Desk) - Solar panel prices in Pakistan have surged sharply with imported Chinese panels becoming significantly more expensive due to higher global raw material costs and rising demand.
In local markets, the prices of Chinese solar panels with capacities of 585 watts, 645 watts, and 720 watts have increased by an average of Rs5,000. The price of a 585-watt panel has climbed from Rs16,000–17,000 to Rs20,000–21,000, while a 645-watt panel now costs Rs24,000–25,000, up from around Rs20,000. Similarly, the price of a 720-watt panel has jumped from Rs22,000–25,000 to between Rs30,000 and Rs35,000.
Solar panel importer and Vice President of the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, Saleem Memon, said that rising global prices of silver and copper have pushed up production costs for Chinese manufacturers. As a result, the per-watt price of solar panels has increased from Rs22 to Rs33 over the past five months.
He warned that if current trends continue, along with further price hikes in China and sustained local demand, the per-watt price could rise to Rs40 in the coming months. Memon also cited import taxes on Chinese solar panels as a key factor contributing to higher prices.
He added that growing competition in solar technology at the local level is also influencing pricing dynamics. Despite the recent surge, he noted that due to heavy imports over the past two years, the country currently holds substantial solar panel stocks