Derided as the albatross around the neck of Pakistan’s power sector for years, rooftop solar is finally getting its due as the government grapples with a global fuel crisis that makes clear the importance of self-reliance as a solution to supply disruptions.
Despite global acknowledgment as an environmental success story, Pakistan’s remarkable solar surge has repeatedly faced criticism from government ministers, who argue it pushes up costs for citizens lacking the option to go off-grid. In the aftermath of the Iran war and the resulting volatility in global fuel markets, however, this quiet energy transition is effectively shielding the country from the worst of external shocks.
According to some estimates, solar was Pakistan’s single largest source of electricity in 2025, accounting for more than 25% of total generation. Net-metered rooftop capacity alone has crossed 5.3GW, while broader estimates suggest more than 20GW of rooftop solar is now in operation when off-grid systems are included. Pakistanis have imported tens of gigawatts of solar panels in recent years, reflecting an unprecedented, citizen-led shift toward distributed energy.
This boom did not emerge in a vacuum, enabled by a mix of forward-looking policies such as net metering, and a dramatic fall in global solar prices, especially from Chinese manufacturers. As electricity tariffs surged, solar became the most rational economic choice for households and businesses, reducing daytime demand on the national grid and, crucially, Pakistan’s reliance on imported fuels.
That shift is now paying dividends. According to Power Minister Awais Leghari, about 74% of electricity in Pakistan now comes from domestic sources, including solar, wind, hydropower, and nuclear. This, he notes, has better positioned the country to absorb disruptions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies due to instability in the Middle East. “The people-led solar revolution … played a role in increasing Pakistan’s self-reliance,” he said, ironically praising the same initiative he has repeatedly blamed for hefty electricity tariffs.
It is easy to forget that previous geopolitical crises have seen Pakistan’s dependence on imported fuel translate directly into power shortages, fiscal strain, and painful load shedding. Today, LNG accounts for only around 10% of electricity generation, primarily for peak demand, significantly reducing vulnerability to global price shocks. In a region rattled by conflict, that degree of insulation is a strategic advantage.
Paradoxically, the acknowledgment of solar power’s worth comes within weeks of recent policy moves slashing net-metering buyback rates and proposals replacing net metering with less generous net billing frameworks, undermining investor confidence. Additional measures, including taxes on imported panels and restrictions on system sizes, further erode the financial viability of rooftop solar for new adopters.
To be fair, these steps are not entirely without merit. The government faces a deeply indebted power sector and shrinking grid demand arising from consumers turning to solar. However, the response comes across as shortsighted, especially as global energy uncertainty risks reversing one of the few structural gains Pakistan has made in recent years. By Leghari’s own admission, the distributed solar base now offers the country a buffer against geopolitical shocks.
In other words, the same rooftop systems policymakers view a fiscal burden are, in reality, a strategic asset, reducing import bills, easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves, and enhancing energy sovereignty.
The lesson is clear: policy consistency matters. Kneejerk reversals may provide temporary relief but could stall long-term progress. Instead of discouraging solar uptake, the government should refine its approach in addressing grid financing challenges while preserving incentives for clean energy investment.
Pakistan stands at an inflection point. It can either retreat from its solar momentum or build on it to create a more resilient, self-reliant energy future. The current crisis should serve as a reminder that energy independence is not a luxury, but a necessity.