Factors to Keep in Mind Before Installing Solar Panels

In the last few years, solar energy has gained significant popularity in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab. Repeated power shortages and high cost of electricity are the main causes of high demand in solar panels. Solar installations offer continuous power supply, rising electricity costs, and the country’s high solar energy potential. 

Punjab is an ideal location for producing solar energy because abundant sunlight is available throughout the year. However, before planning into the installation of a solar panel system, several important factors must be considered to ensure you make a smart, cost-effective, and sustainable investment. Here we will discuss few factors before installing solar project:

Understand Net Metering in Pakistan

One of the most important benefits of solar panel installation in Punjab is access to net metering. Net metering allows consumers to sell excess electricity back to the grid, effectively reducing or even eliminating their monthly lesco electricity bill. This system is regulated by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) in Pakistan.

To be eligible for net metering:

• Your solar system must have a minimum capacity of 1 kilowatt (kW).
• Your electricity meter must be bi-directional, which means it can measure both the electricity you consume from the grid and the surplus energy you export.
• You must apply for a net metering license through your regional electricity distribution company (such as LESCO, MEPCO, or FESCO) and fulfill all technical and safety requirements.

Proper documentation and inspections are mandatory, and your installer should guide you through this process. Make sure the company you’re working with has experience in handling net metering applications.

Evaluate Roof Space and Sunlight Availability

Solar panels require unobstructed access to sunlight to function efficiently. Fortunately, Punjab receives between 7 to 8 hours of strong sunlight daily, making it one of the best regions for solar power in the country. Keep these factors in mind:

• Assess your roof’s size, angle, and orientation. Ideally, your roof should face south and be free of shading from trees, walls, or water tanks.
• Make sure your roof is structurally strong enough to support the panels and mounting structure.
• Consider a solar site survey by a professional installer to calculate your available space and potential energy output.

If your roof has shading issues, your system’s efficiency could drop significantly, leading to lower savings than expected.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Before installing a solar system, it’s crucial to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements in Pakistan. This includes:

• No Objection Certificate (NOC): Your electricity provider must approve the installation.
• System Inspection: Once the installation is complete, officials will inspect your setup to ensure it meets safety and technical standards.
• Installer Certification: Ensure your installer is certified by AEDB (Alternative Energy Development Board) or listed in NEPRA’s approved vendors for net metering. This ensures compliance with safety regulations and eligibility for net metering.

Neglecting these requirements may delay the approval process or result in fines or removal of unauthorized setups.

Analyze Your Electricity Usage and Load

To determine the size of the solar system you need, evaluate your monthly electricity consumption. You can find this information on your electricity bills (usually measured in kilowatt-hours or kWh).

• For an average household using around 300–500 units per month, a 3 kW to 5 kW solar system may suffice.
• Consider whether you want to offset your entire electricity bill or just reduce it partially.
• Identify your peak usage times (day or night), as this can influence whether you need battery storage or an on-grid only system.

If you consume more during night hours, an on-grid system without batteries might not help much, unless you export enough excess energy during the day to balance things out through net metering.

Budgeting and Financing the System

Installing a solar panel system in Punjab is a long-term investment, but the upfront cost can be significant. As of 2025, the average cost is around PKR 150,000 to 200,000 per kilowatt, including panels, inverter, structure, wiring, and labor.

• A 5 kW system might cost you PKR 750,000 to 1,000,000, but it can reduce your bill to near zero if sized and installed correctly.
• The payback period typically ranges from 3 to 5 years, after which you enjoy essentially free electricity.
• Consider financing options. State Bank of Pakistan offers Green Financing Schemes with subsidized interest rates for solar installations.
• Compare quotes from multiple vendors and make sure you understand what’s included in the cost.

Avoid companies that promise “too good to be true” prices, as low-quality components can compromise your system’s lifespan and efficiency.

Choose Quality Equipment with Warranties

Not all solar panels or inverters are created equal. Investing in high-quality equipment ensures better performance and longer system life.

• Choose Tier-1 solar panels from reputable brands like Longi, JA Solar, Canadian Solar, or Trina.
• Inverters are crucial for converting DC to AC. Popular brands in Pakistan include Growatt, Fronius, Solis, and Huawei.
• Ensure the solar panels have a warranty of at least 10 to 25 years and the inverter comes with at least a 5-year warranty.

Also, insist on proper lightning protection, grounding, and isolation switches for safety and system integrity.

Maintenance and Cleaning

While solar systems are generally low-maintenance, regular cleaning is crucial—especially in areas like Punjab, where dust, smog, and bird droppings can significantly reduce panel efficiency. Here are few tips to maintain solar system:

• Clean panels every 2 to 4 weeks using a soft cloth and water (avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washers).
• Monitor system performance via the solar inverter app or web portal. Drops in output may indicate dirt or technical issues.
• Schedule annual inspections to ensure all connections and components are functioning optimally.

A clean and well-maintained system can perform up to 25% better than a dirty one.

Consider Grid Reliability and Load Shedding

Most solar systems in Punjab are on-grid, meaning they connect directly to the utility supply. However, these systems automatically shut off during power outages (load shedding) for safety reasons, unless paired with battery storage.

If your area experiences frequent or long power outages, consider a hybrid solar system with battery backup:

• These systems store excess electricity in batteries for use during blackouts.
• They are more expensive upfront but offer better energy independence.

For areas with a reliable power supply, a simple on-grid system with net metering is often sufficient and cost-effective.

Installer Reputation and After-Sales Support

The solar market in Pakistan is growing, and many new companies have emerged. Thousands of welders also stepped in and adopted this new field of work. Installation service must be acquired from reputed and experienced workers. Choose an installer with:

• A proven track record and positive customer reviews.
• A physical office and accessible customer support.
• Clear after-sales service and system monitoring tools.

Get a detailed contract that includes system specifications, payment schedule, estimated energy output, and warranty terms. A good installer will also handle net metering paperwork on your behalf. If you choose an inexperienced installation team, you may lose millions of rupees in just a single storm.

Final Remarks

Installing solar panels in Punjab is a smart step, both financially and environmentally. With high solar radiation levels, government support for net metering, and increasing electricity costs, going solar can help households and businesses take control of energy costs. However, the key to a successful installation lies in careful planning, selecting the right equipment, and working with experienced professionals. By keeping the above factors in mind, you can ensure that your solar investment delivers long-term savings, energy security, and peace of mind.