Solar panel prices have risen sharply across Pakistan since the start of the year, with noticeable increases in local markets. Prices of imported Chinese solar panels with capacities of 585 watts, 645 watts, and 720 watts have gone up by an average of Rs.5,000.
The price of a 585 watt panel has increased from Rs.16,000–17,000 to Rs.20,000–21,000. A 645 watt panel now costs Rs.24,000–25,000, up from Rs.20,000, while the price of a 720 watt panel has climbed from Rs.22,000–25,000 to between Rs.30,000 and Rs.35,000.
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Solar panel importer and Vice President of the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, Saleem Memon, told The Express Tribune that higher global prices of silver and copper have raised production costs for Chinese manufacturers. As a result, the per watt price of solar panels has increased from Rs.22 to Rs.33 over the past five months.
He said continued demand and further price increases in China could push the per watt rate to Rs.40 in the coming months. He also cited taxes on imported Chinese solar panels as a key factor behind the price hike.
Memon added that competition in solar technology at the local level has also influenced pricing and noted that large stocks remain available due to heavy imports over the past two years. He further said that prices of solar batteries have also increased nationwide, rising by around 10 percent over the past month.
