Pakistan Solar Roundup: Solar Overtakes Nuclear, Off-Grid Program Updates, and Expo 2026
Pakistan's Solar Capacity Surges Past Nuclear Output
New data from McKinsey & Company and the World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2026 highlight the unprecedented momentum of Pakistan’s rooftop solar transition. Pakistan's registered net-metered capacity reached 6.3 GW by the end of fiscal year 2025—a tenfold increase in three years—with total solar electricity generation reaching 36.3 TWh, surpassing nuclear power generation for the first time. Driven by high grid tariffs and falling module prices, Pakistan imported over 58 GW of Chinese solar panels between 2017 and mid-2026, solidifying its rank as one of the world's largest consumer-led solar markets.
Implementation Hurdles Surface in Gilgit-Baltistan Solar Scheme
A report released this week outlined key operational challenges facing the government's free solar program in Gilgit-Baltistan. While the initiative aimed to distribute panels to nearly 148,000 off-grid households, beneficiaries in remote valleys reported frustration over unexpected out-of-pocket expenses required for mandatory inverters and battery storage needed to run systems after dark. Industry experts emphasize that full hybrid and off-grid solutions, rather than panel distribution alone, remain essential for off-grid energy security.
Karachi to Host Solar Pakistan Exhibition (Oct 9–11)
The Karachi Expo Centre is set to host the annual Solar Pakistan Exhibition from October 9 to 11, bringing together leading manufacturers, local retailers, and technology suppliers. This year's showcase focuses heavily on high-efficiency TOPCon solar modules, hybrid inverters, and lithium battery storage systems designed to help residential and commercial consumers optimize power under Pakistan's updated net billing framework.
Global Landmark: World Solar PV Capacity Reaches 2.96 TW
On the international front, the International Energy Agency (IEA PVPS) released its 2026 Trends in Photovoltaic Applications report, confirming global solar capacity reached 2.96 TW following a record 692 GW of new installations in 2025. The report projects non-hydro renewables will supply 21.8% of global electricity generation in 2026, officially overtaking natural gas as the second-largest power source worldwide.
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