The federal budget has announced several incentives for solar production machinery, plants, and raw material imports, aiming to promote solarization in the country.

However, energy experts warn that achieving widespread solar production won’t happen overnight, emphasizing the need for a robust policy framework and regulatory body.

While the budget has sparked optimism about the development of a solar industry in Pakistan, attracting foreign investment remains a significant challenge.

Shabir Mansha, an energy expert and importer, highlights the need for a solid infrastructure to support solar production, saying that the policy is being formulated, but the basic infrastructure for solar preparation is required.

He also points to the lack of a regulatory and quality certification framework as a hurdle.

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Despite the budget’s tax breaks on solar, the local market has seen a price drop in solar panels, contradicting earlier rumors of price hikes. The price has now fallen to PKR 37-41 per kilowatt.

The rising demand for solar panels due to high electricity prices has fueled efforts to establish local production. However, turning these efforts into reality remains a challenge.