As solar adoption surges across the country, Pakistan’s government has introduced Pakistan’s Solar Policy 2025 —with a focus on reshaping the net metering model. While aimed at protecting the national grid and energy infrastructure, the policy changes have sparked widespread discussion among homeowners, businesses, and renewable energy experts.
In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about the latest solar policy, its benefits and drawbacks, and how it affects existing and new solar users.
Previously, excess solar energy was exported back to the grid at the full retail rate (around PKR 19–27 per unit). Now in 2025, this buyback rate has dropped to PKR 10 per unit, significantly affecting the return on investment for solar system owners.
Instead of the previous unit-to-unit offset, the new gross metering model calculates imported and exported electricity separately. That means:
Homeowners and businesses are now only allowed to install a solar system up to 110% of their sanctioned load (previously allowed up to 150%). This ensures a balance between solar energy production and grid reliability.
If you already have a solar system with a valid net metering agreement, you’ll continue receiving old benefits (full unit-to-unit offset) until the agreement expires—typically valid for 7 years. After expiration, the new policy will apply.
The policy aims to make solar integration more financially sustainable for both the energy providers and the national grid.
With net metering benefits reduced, hybrid solar systems—which store excess power in batteries for later use—are gaining popularity. These systems ensure:
Feature | Old Policy | New Policy 2025 |
---|---|---|
Net Metering Model | Unit-to-unit offset | Gross metering (separate billing) |
Buyback Rate | PKR 19–27 per unit | PKR 10 per unit |
System Sizing | 150% of sanctioned load | 110% of sanctioned load |
Existing Contracts | Continued under old policy | Shift to new policy post-expiry |
Pakistan’s updated Pakistan’s Solar Policy 2025 marks a pivotal shift in how solar energy is integrated into the national power grid. While the changes aim to ensure fairness and grid stability, they also pose challenges for solar adopters—especially those planning grid-tied systems.
To maximize benefits:
Solar energy remains a powerful tool for reducing electricity bills and environmental impact—but smart system planning is more important now than ever.