As Pakistan eyes a major push toward solar power, new data highlights which global players are likely to shape that transition. Trinasolar, a Chinese solar technology firm, has emerged as the global leader in perovskite solar cell patent filings, a promising next-generation solar technology still under development.
According to a recent report by intellectual property analytics firm IPRdaily, Trinasolar leads the world in perovskite-related patent applications with 481 filings — a sign of the intense race among solar companies to position themselves for the future of photovoltaic (PV) energy. The company also ranks second globally for patents related to solar modules and TOPCon, a commercially available high-efficiency PV cell technology.
Perovskite tandem cells, which combine different materials to potentially boost efficiency, are seen as a major leap beyond conventional silicon-based solar panels. Though not yet widely deployed, the technology could theoretically push cell efficiencies beyond 40%, attracting interest from both researchers and energy developers worldwide.
For countries like Pakistan, where energy security, affordability, and climate concerns are increasingly pressing, these developments matter. The country has set a target of adding 10 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2030. However, this ambition is complicated by recent issues in the solar market: panel prices have dropped, but so too has confidence in the reliability and quality of many systems being deployed.
Experts suggest that Pakistan’s solar future may rely not just on cheaper panels, but also on more durable and efficient systems — an area where global R&D leadership could play a pivotal role.
“Pakistan’s solar sector is still maturing. We’ve seen issues with performance and lifespan in many installations,” said a Lahore-based energy consultant who asked not to be named. “What the country needs now is access to high-quality technologies that perform consistently in local conditions.”
Trinasolar, which has signed new distribution agreements in Pakistan following this year’s Solar Pakistan expo, is among the foreign companies increasing their presence in the local market. Company executives say their research partnerships — including with institutions like Oxford PV and Nanyang Technological University — are part of a long-term approach to supporting the global shift toward clean energy.
While the company’s ranking is a milestone, perovskite technology is still in the research and early pilot phase. Its impact on Pakistan’s energy mix will depend on how quickly it becomes commercially viable, and whether local markets are ready to invest in advanced technologies rather than the lowest upfront cost.
Still, observers believe that Pakistan could benefit from keeping an eye on such innovations. With rising electricity prices, grid reliability issues, and increasing solar adoption among households and industries, the case for higher-quality solar tech may become more compelling over time.
