- Cost-Effective Alternative: Solar PV reduces reliance on the national grid, providing a more affordable option for consumers amidst surging electricity prices (155% since 2021).
- Energy Independence: On-site electricity generation makes homes and businesses less dependent on the gas-powered national grid, which is subject to price volatility and supply disruptions.
- Reduction in Energy Bills: Solar PV systems lower electricity bills, alleviating the financial burden on households where electricity costs have surpassed rental rates.
- Reduction in Energy Import Bill: Solar PV significantly decreases Pakistan’s energy import bill (30% of total imports), reducing dependence on foreign energy sources.
- Focus on Indigenous Resources: Investing in low-cost indigenous resources like hydro, coal, gas, and solar PV achieves greater energy security and reduces vulnerability to global energy price fluctuations and external shocks.
- Environmental Benefits: Solar energy is a clean and renewable source, reducing carbon emissions and helping Pakistan meet environmental and sustainability goals.
- Job Creation: The growing solar PV industry generates new employment opportunities in installation, maintenance, and manufacturing, contributing to economic development.
- Support from Government Subsidies: Government initiatives incentivize solar PV adoption, making it accessible to lower-income households which are lifeline consumers and in protected category in Piped Natural Gas consumers. (RLNG diversion to PNG residential consumers is about PKR 297 billion SNGPL petition)
- Resilience Against Brownout Blackouts and Load Shedding: Solar PV systems with battery storage provide backup power during blackouts, improving energy security for residential and commercial users.
- Long-Term Investment: Although initial setup costs may be high, long-term savings and reduced energy costs make solar PV a viable investment for the future.
- Mitigating the Impact of Inflation: Solar PV offers stable and predictable energy costs, protecting consumers from further price hikes in electricity amidst inflation.
Solar PV as a Solution for Pakistan’s Energy Crisis
