KARACHI – Relief for Pakistani households and businesses turning to solar energy amid soaring electricity rates, as Senate Standing Committee on Finance approved proposal to end 18% sales tax on the import of solar panels.
This decision is being welcomed as key step towards making clean and affordable energy more accessible for inflation-weary Pakistanis. The meeting, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, saw strong support for the move, especially amid public backlash and rising electricity costs.
The removal of tax will ease the financial burden on consumers looking to install solar systems and reduce their reliance on the national grid. This development comes shortly after Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb proposed, during the 2025–26 budget speech, an 18 percent tax on imported solar panels to promote local manufacturing.
The proposal was met with strong opposition, particularly from PML-N allies which argued that tax would make clean energy less affordable for the average citizen. Several parties did not support any move that discourages the use of solar energy, emphasizing the importance of clean, low-cost electricity for masses.
In 2024-25, Pakistan – the fifth most populated country – emerged as the largest importer of solar panels in the world, bringing in a record 70 gigawatts in 2024. Senate committee’s latest decision is expected to further boost this trend, encouraging even more households and businesses to go solar.
For those planning to invest in solar systems, this is a timely and welcome development — a move that not only supports the environment but also brings real savings to consumers’ electricity bills.
Solar Prices in Pakistan 2025
A-Tier Grade Solar Panels
| Brand & Specification | Panel Pric |
| JA 540W Single Glass A grade | 14,000-14500 |
| Maysun 545W A grade | 14,715-1500 |
| Logni 550W Single Glass A grade | 14,850-15000 |
| Jinko 550W Single Glass A grade | 14,850 |
| ZN Shine 545W Single Glass A grade | 15,120 |
| JA 540W Double Glass A grade | 15,120 |
| Jinko N Type 580W A grade | 16,820 |
| Longi Hi-Mo 7 580W N Type Double Glass | 17,980 |
B Grade Solar Panels
| Specifications | Panel Price |
| Longi 550W B grade | 13,750-14000 |
| Jinko 550W B grade | 13,750-14000 |
| JA 550W B grade | 13,750 |
Canadian Solar Panels
| Specification | Panel Price |
| Canadian 550W Tier 1 Single Glass | 15,400-15000 |
| Canadian 580W TOPCon | 18,500-18650 |
1KW, 3kW, 5kW Full Solar System Rates in Pakistan May 2025 Update
