Solar Calculator Pakistan
Estimate solar system size, cost, monthly savings and payback for on-grid, hybrid and off-grid setups in Pakistan.
Mounting, wiring, labour, protection, net metering fee share
New NEPRA prosumer connections ~Rs 10–11/kWh from Feb 2026. Old net metering contracts ~Rs 25–26 until expiry.
Tubular ~35k, lithium LiFePO4 ~80k–150k per kWh
5.0 kW
9
22.3 kWh
669.0 kWh
252 sq ft
Rs 869,500
Rs 21,759
3.3 yrs
Why Solar Makes Sense in Pakistan Now
Electricity tariffs crossed Rs 40 per unit for many non-protected households in 2026. A properly sized solar system can cut your bill by 50–90 percent, depending on whether you choose on-grid, hybrid or off-grid. In cities like Lahore, Karachi and Multan, peak sun hours stay above 5 per day for most of the year, making solar a reliable investment.
How This Calculator Works
Enter your monthly units from your electricity bill, pick your city, and select the system type. The calculator estimates the system size needed to cover your daytime usage, then adds Pakistan market prices for panels, inverter, mounting, wiring and optional batteries. It also accounts for system losses from heat, dust, wiring and inverter efficiency.
Solar System Sizing Formula
System kW = Monthly Units ÷ 30 ÷ Sun Hours ÷ (1 - Loss %)
Example: 600 units/month in Lahore with 5.3 sun hours and 15% losses = 600 ÷ 30 ÷ 5.3 ÷ 0.85 = 4.4 kW. We round up to the nearest whole panel count.
On-Grid vs Hybrid vs Off-Grid
- On-grid: Cheapest. No batteries. Exports surplus to WAPDA under net billing. Best if load shedding is rare.
- Hybrid: Most popular in Pakistan. Batteries keep fans, lights and routers running during load shedding. Still supports net billing.
- Off-grid: No WAPDA needed. Requires bigger battery bank and usually oversized panels. Highest upfront cost.
NEPRA Net Billing 2026 Update
From February 2026, new solar connections fall under NEPRA Prosumer Regulations. Surplus units are purchased by DISCOs at the National Average Energy Purchase Price, roughly Rs 10–11 per kWh, instead of the old 1:1 credit. This means self-consumption during daytime is now more valuable than export. Our calculator uses Rs 11 as a default for new applications; if you have a grandfathered net metering contract, you can increase the buyback rate to Rs 25–26.
Popular Solar Panel Prices in Pakistan (July 2026)
| Brand / Type | Wattage | Price per Watt | Panel Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| JA Solar Mono PERC | 550W | Rs 26–28 | Rs 14,300–15,400 |
| Longi Hi-Mo 6 | 570W | Rs 30–31 | Rs 17,100–17,670 |
| Jinko N-Type | 575W | Rs 31 | Rs 17,825 |
| Trina Vertex | 550W | Rs 30–53 | Rs 16,500–29,150 |
| Canadian N-Type Bifacial | 585W | Rs 44 | Rs 25,740 |
Popular Solar Inverter Prices in Pakistan (2026)
| Brand | On-Grid 5kW | Hybrid 5kW | Hybrid 10kW | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inverex | Rs 160k–190k | Rs 210k–260k | Rs 280k–350k | 5–10 yrs |
| Growatt | Rs 140k–170k | Rs 190k–240k | Rs 280k–350k | 5–10 yrs |
| Solis | Rs 150k–180k | Rs 220k–270k | Rs 310k–390k | 5–10 yrs |
| Huawei | Rs 180k–220k | Rs 250k–310k | Rs 350k–420k | 10 yrs |
| Fronius | Rs 210k–250k | Rs 290k–350k | Rs 400k–480k | 12 yrs |
| Knox | Rs 130k–160k | Rs 180k–220k | Rs 260k–320k | 8–10 yrs |
| Homage | Rs 120k–150k | Rs 170k–210k | Rs 240k–300k | 5–8 yrs |
| Crown | Rs 125k–155k | Rs 175k–215k | Rs 250k–310k | 1–7 yrs |
| GoodWe | Rs 160k–200k | Rs 240k–290k | Rs 330k–410k | 10 yrs |
| Ziewnic | Rs 125k–155k | Rs 175k–215k | Rs 250k–310k | 7–9 yrs |
Realistic 5 kW System Cost Example
A 5 kW hybrid system in Lahore with nine 550W panels, a 5 kW hybrid inverter, 5 kWh lithium battery, mounting structure, wiring and net metering fee typically costs Rs 1,100,000–1,400,000. Monthly generation is roughly 650–750 kWh. If your tariff is Rs 35/kWh and you consume most generation yourself, monthly savings can be Rs 20,000–25,000, giving a payback of roughly 4–5 years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Oversizing beyond your daytime consumption — under net billing, exported units earn only Rs 10–11.
- Buying B-grade panels without warranty documentation.
- Ignoring inverter warranty and local service availability.
- Not checking your sanctioned load on the electricity bill before applying.
- Skipping surge protection and proper grounding.
Sources: NEPRA, AEDB, vendor price surveys July 2026. For exact quotes, contact 3 AEDB-certified installers in your city.
📖 Detailed Guide
Learn the formula, see real Pakistan examples, and read FAQs in our detailed guide.
Read Solar Calculator Pakistan Guide →Frequently Asked Questions
What size solar system do I need in Pakistan?
Divide your monthly units by 30, then divide by your city peak sun hours and system efficiency. A 600 unit/month home in Lahore usually needs 4–5 kW.
How many solar panels are needed for 5 kW?
Nine to ten panels of 550W each make a 5 kW system. With 585W or 600W panels you need fewer panels and less roof space.
Is net metering still available in Pakistan in 2026?
Yes, but NEPRA moved new connections to net billing from February 2026. Surplus units are bought at around Rs 10–11/kWh instead of the old 1:1 exchange.
Which is better: on-grid, hybrid or off-grid?
On-grid is cheapest but gives no backup. Hybrid gives battery backup and works with net metering. Off-grid is best for areas without WAPDA but costs the most.
What is the payback period for solar in Pakistan?
Typically 3 to 5 years for on-grid/hybrid in cities with high tariffs. Net billing has made payback slightly longer than old net metering.
How much roof space is needed for solar?
About 25–30 sq ft per panel. A 5 kW system using nine 550W panels needs roughly 250–300 sq ft of shadow-free roof.
What are popular solar panel brands in Pakistan?
JA Solar, Longi, Jinko, Trina, Canadian Solar and MaxPower are widely used. Tier-1 A-grade panels cost Rs 26–45 per watt depending on wattage and technology.