Pakistan is lucky enough to receive the maximum amount of solar energy throughout the year. The best use we can make out of this solar energy is to store it for electricity production. People across the country are slowing moving towards the cheapest solar energy sources that cannot be accessed without proper sunlight.

The large ground for solar street light in Pakistan can be very effectively used for this purpose. Solar energy can be produced in those areas where the sun directly hits the surface of the ground and where the sun shines most of the time.

How solar energy can be converted into electric energy?

There is no doubt that solar energy is a clean, renewable power source and is quite inexpensive when compared to the other electric power sources. Most importantly, it can be gained from anywhere in the world where sunlight can directly hit the surface of the earth. All those areas that are rich in having direct sunlight can prove to be a treat for those who are willing to install solar panels there. It is very easy to generate solar power in those areas and locations. Hence, the sun is indeed a great source of solar power.

Product electricity with sunlight

In the modern era, power generating technologies are usually connected with infinite resources. Because when they will be connected with fossil fuels it will take a huge time period for oil or gas to produce electricity. Moreover, the resources are completely depleted. However, when producing electricity through infinite resources using wind, solar, or hydropower, the resource doesn’t deplete. For instance, producing electricity through sunlight will never deplete the sunlight. Sun will always keep on shining on the earth’s surface. This resource will not be disappeared after use. There is always more sunlight available to produce electricity. This is the reason why the entire world is running after this renewable power source.

The presence of the silicon cells on the solar panels help in converting the solar energy into the electric energy through the photovoltaic effect.

More and more inventions are finding their way to the world. The modern invention in the solar panels is the solar street lights that are certainly making their way into the markets.

Solar Street Light in Pakistan

In Pakistan, solar street lights have also been introduced with a huge variety. These solar street lights can provide a return on investment within a few months hence making customers satisfied with their choices.

Solar Street Lights are

• Easy to function
• Not too expensive to take risks
• Provide maximum output
• Very quiet and swift
• Can be installed on a limited space

It is pertinent to note that the solar street lights consume less electricity and provide greater benefits to the customers.

What are the LED lights?

LED stands for the Light-emitting diode that consists of two-lead semiconductors. It is considered a p-n junction diode that can emit light when get activated. LED lights were already famous across the globe and with the invention of the solar street lights, their demand has increased to a certain range.

Environment-friendly solar torch lights

The markets are now full of the environment-friendly solar torch lights as well. There are a lot of benefits to solar torch lights as well as solar street lights. The growing interest of people towards solar sources can be evident from the fact that even the smallest electricity gadgets are now available and can run on solar energy.

These solar street lights have been designed with waterproof construction. During the day time, these street lights can consume enough solar energy and turn on automatically when it’s evening. These are the best solar devices for outdoor use.

Solar street lights are powered by renewable energy sources. They function more efficiently if there is strong sunlight during the day time. A fully charge solar street light can provide light for around 7 to 10 hours. Plus these small solar street lights are too easy to install.

Specifications of the solar street lights

• Attractive Designs
• Eco-friendly
• Solar panel: 6V; 0.1A
• Estimated solar panel lifespan: 5 years
• Waterproof rating: IP65
• Long working time: charging time in direct sunlight: 8 -10 hours

Alluring styles in solar street lights

Solar street lights are available in different alluring styles and designs. There appeared to be a very soft and shiny glow where street lights are installed. Moreover, there is no need for batteries. They are based on the self-charging system. These solar lights consume solar energy throughout the day and store this energy for use during the night time. Moreover, because the main power source is the sun, so you can place them anywhere you want they can receive ample sunlight.

These solar streets are completely weather-resistant, durable, and waterproof. The easy installation of these solar street lights requires no wires or charging slots.

So, without any fears, you can rely upon this new technology for an excellent experience

Lahore is the second largest city in Pakistan in terms of population. The city has a rich history and educated people with an urban lifestyle. Therefore, the energy usage in the city is higher. On the other hand, the country is facing severe power issues. The gap between the demand and supply of electricity is extending every day. The condition worsens during scorching summers. In addition to that, the government is inclined to increase the tariff charges on a regular basis. There are massive underlying reasons for it. However, the public at large is financially getting tenser with every increase. Because power usage is a necessity, not a luxury. Hence, the search for alternative, reliable energy sources has gained a massive hit. Following the trend, we are going to tell you the Solar Panel Price in Lahore in 2022. To get all the answers to what, how, why, and where, scroll down to the text below.   

Energy sources in Lahore  

Energy sources in Lahore are the same as the energy mix of Pakistan. The country gets its power from coal, gas, and hydro resources.  The duty of power unit distribution is regulated by the central body called NEPRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority). However, the distribution in the country is done through the distribution bodies directly linked with NEPRA. Similarly, Lahore is regulated under LESCO (Lahore Electricity Supply Company).  

Electricity Tariffs Charges in Lahore  

Electricity Tariff Charges are continuously increasing. Therefore, price hikes are more frequent than ever. The government is having difficulty, maintaining the tariff on a lower scale. According to the July 2022 updates, According to NEPRA, the new national average rate for the fiscal year (FY) 2022–23 turned out to be Rs24.82 per kilowatt hour (kWh), which is higher by Rs7.9078 per kWh than the previously calculated national average tariff of Rs16.91 per kWh. However, this has been multiplied several times.   

Impacts of increments on Lahorians  

Like the entire country, the people of Lahore face difficulty managing their finances. The price hikes in electricity are not alone; such increments affect many things directly and indirectly linked to power consumption. Resultingly, the rate of inflation in the country has been the highest since the 1970s. On the other hand, fuel prices are also on the same trend. Residents of Lahore are under severe stress these days; they want to choose low-cost, efficient, and reliable alternative energy solutions to save their hard-earned money from extra power costs and bill pay outs.   

Alternative Power Sources  

The excellent news for Lahore is that an alternative solution to electricity is available. Alternative power sources include renewable power generation options. In simple terms, solar and wind systems come under renewable power generation. In Lahore, Zero Carbon provides solar solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial clients.   

Solar Systems Mechanism  

Solar Systems work on the solar power Sunlight. Solar systems combine PV Sheets, batteries, and converters to perform. The PV sheets get installed on the rooftops or open fields where the sunlight access is good. These sheets absorb the sunlight and convert it into usable electricity through converters.  

Benefits of Solar Panel Installation  

There are several benefits to installing solar panels in Lahore. Some of them are the following.  

• Zero Carbon Solar Panels are Customised as per client needs.  
• The Solar Systems provided by Zero Carbon are purchased from high-quality and A-tier Chinese Manufacturers, including Jinko Solar, JA Solar, Longi, Canadian Solar, and Trina Solar. At the same time, the inventors are also taken from Huawei, Solis, SunGrow, Inverex, GroWatt and GoodWe.   
• Payback Time of Zero Carbon is just four years.  
• The running capacity of solar panels provided by Zero Carbon extends to 20-25 years.
• The electricity bill reduction is possible.  
• The facilitation of ‘Net-Metering,’ allows the solar panel owners to sell the excess power to the national grid.   
• Installation costs are on the lower end.  
• Solar Panels produce eco-friendly power.  

Pre-Requisites for Solar Panels Installations  

For installing a solar panel in Lahore, you need to have a rooftop or ground with exposure to sunlight. In homes, a rooftop is ideal for installing a solar panel.   

You can contact Zero Carbon to book a visit with experts to evaluate your location. This will be helpful to know precisely what capacity solar will be suitable to you while in Lahore, per your per month need.  

Prices Calculation For Solar Panel Prices  

The prices of Solar Panels at Zero Carbon are not fixed. The reason for the fluctuation is the import/export policy, currency conversion rates, and government tax policies. In addition to these national policies, the prices of hardware like semiconductors, types of solar panels, and panel capacity of watt production are prominent factors that define the price bracket in Lahore.   

Semiconductors’ quality defines the type of silicon used in solar panels. There are two options available in the silicon. Silicon is currently the best semiconductor, but it is also costly. Silicon-based solar panels are often more expensive than those made using other semiconductors.  

Solar Panels are of diverse types and capacities. Available types are Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline materials. The cost of polycrystalline solar panels is lower since they are less productive and efficient. Conversely, monocrystalline solar panels are more expensive and produce a higher output.  

The capacity of Watt Generation is the watt per panel production capacity of the solar panels. The electric current a solar panel can generate when solar radiation hits. Solar panels with lesser capacity are more economical than those with greater capacity. Suppose a solar panel of 340 watts is cheaper than a panel of 480 watts.  

Install Solars on Low-Costs in Lahore  

While residing in Lahore, you can avail a low-cost installation of solar panels in 2022. You can benefit from this low cost because the government of Pakistan is in support to help solar systems usage and structure in the country. For the same reason, it has waived off the general sales tax GST 17 per cent.   

Get a Free Quotation  

It is high time to install a solar panel in your location in Lahore. Get rid of excess power bills and power shortfalls of electricity. It is also a golden time that decreases a 17% decrease due to tax elimination in the absence of GST tax. To book a call from Zero Carbon, fill out the form here.   You can ask them about the solar panel price in Lahore in 2022, according to your need.  

Zero carbon Pvt. Limited has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Zonergy Company Limited. This MOU between the two companies builds an accommodating relationship for promoting the technical bilateral cooperation in the Solar Energy sector of Pakistan. Both energy companies are keen to work in close association to reduce carbon footprint. Through this collaboration, Zonergy will support Zero carbon in setting up IPP scale solar & mini off-grid solar power plants ensuring the use of modern, eco-friendly technologies; harnessing solar power in the country. This prosperous partnership will strengthen the ties among the companies. In addition, the partnership will eventually fulfill the objective of developing and expanding the Solar Energy Sector of Pakistan by facilitating Zonergy and reciprocating the same development in China.

Net metering Pakistan is an electricity policy for consumers, who own / plan to setup a Renewable Energy facility, which allows them to produce electricity (using solar) for their own use and supply the excess produce to the national grid setting-off units of electricity consumed during off-peak hours or at times when the production from RE facility is not enough to meet the consumer load. The consumer will either pay reduced utility bill or get paid for access energy exported to the grid.

NEPRA, in September 2015, issued its net-metering regulations that allow the DISCOs in Pakistan to purchase excess units of electricity produced by the consumers, and net them off against the units consumed from the grid. As per these regulations, any customer of the national grid (having three-phase connection) can avail net-metering facility for small-scale (1kW to 1MW) Renewable Energy installations. Renewable Energy is a long-term power solution. The Solar PV Technology gives access to affordable electricity supply during system life. Residential and commercial customers can switch their electricity load to Renewable Energy (RE) and can slash their power bills.

Net Metering Pakistan

Net metering Pakistan supplies substantial financial advantages in regards to power generation, earnings and also investment. You can easily join the process which is simple and handy. The first step is to install a net metering compliant solar system which is not very complex as our team at zero carbon will help you out to sort things out while doing the initial set up.

At the second step you need to prepare an application and here again we help you while doing that too. To apply you need to contact relevant electric company.

The installed system must comply with these rules. The relevant electric company will inspect and will issue the NOC after complete satisfaction. Then you will have to sign the agreement with the electric company. After that generation license will be allotted and your net meter will be activated. Net meter activation is the last process and after that you can participate to the grid accordingly.

What is Net Metering in Pakistan?

For Pakistani consumers, who either own or plan to establish a facility for renewable energy, the electricity policy is known as net metering in Pakistan. This electricity policy permits them to create electricity via solar energy, not just for their own consumption, but also to supply the excess electricity into the national grid. This excess electricity is then consumed during hours of low consumption or during times when the RE facility doesn’t produce ample electricity to satisfy the consumer need.

In such cases a consumer will be compensated by one of two options:

• Pay a reduced utility bill
• Get a payment for the excess energy

How consumers are compensated is determined by the relevant DISCO, as specified in the contract. During September 2015, NEPRA’s net-metering regulations were issued which permit the Pakistani DISCO’s to purchase surplus electricity which the consumers produced, to set it off against the grid’s consumed units.

According to these regulations every customer of Pakistan’s national grid who has a 3-phase connection can utilize a net-metering facility installation for Renewable Energy on a small scale – 1kW – 1MW. Renewable Energy is a long-standing power solution.

Accessibility to a cost-effective electricity supply is rendered via Solar PV Technology during the lifespan of the system. Both commercial & residential customers can convert to RE (Renewable Energy), slashing their electricity bills.

Net Metering in Pakistan: How to Apply?

Net Metering Application: Every applicant who complies with the DG’s requirements as specified in NEPRA’s regulation, presents his/her application together with the required documents to the applicable DISCO office.

Acknowledgement of the application: The receipt of the application will then be acknowledged by the DISCO, which will notify the applicant if the application is perfectly completed. This will be done within 5 working days after the application is received.

In case an application form is incomplete: If any applicable information is incomplete or you don’t submit required document, the applicant will be informed to provide such information or document to the DISCO within the period of 7 days after being given notice.

Initial Review: After the DISCO receives your application, completed as required, it will conduct a preliminary review, determining if the applicant is qualifying for the interconnection amenity, whilst fulfilling the additional demands.

This preliminary review will be completed within 20 working days.

Preliminary review: Technical feasibility  

Where the preliminary review discloses that the proposed amenity is unacceptable, the application will be returned by the DISCO within 3 working days and inform the applicant of the reason.

Agreement

After the DISCO office finds the applicant is qualified to be a DG, the two parties will sign an agreement. This will happen in ten working days.

Generation License

A copy of this agreement between the two parties, the applicant & DISCO will be dispatched to NEPRA together with the application to issue a generation license in 7 working days after the agreement was signed.

Connection Charge Estimate

After this agreement, should the DISCO determine that a modification or upgrade of the network is essential, the DISCO will provide the applicant with a CCE (Connection Charge Estimate) for the suggested interconnection amenity up to the point of interconnection, which includes the installation of the meter.

Applicants who need no modification or upgradation, will not receive a CCE, directly after the agreement.

CCE: Payment of

The CCE (Connection Charge Estimate) will be deposited by the applicant in the applicable Bank after which he or she will inform the office of the DISCO in writing.

This payment should be paid as suggested in the CCE, dispatched by the DISCO in 20 days after it was issued.

Interconnection facility:

After the payment of the applicant, the installation & commission by the DISCO office will be proceeded within 30 days of the suggested interconnection amenity. This becomes due after the generation license is confirmed by NEPRA to the Distributed Generator.

Fee:

The charges which will be paid for the authorization of net metering in Pakistan at the suggested facility are as stated below:

• The Distributed Generator will be responsible for paying all-inclusive costs related to the interconnection amenities up to the point of interconnection which will include the installation of the meter.
• The Distributed Generator can manage additional costs fairly acquired by the DISCO operating. Providing & maintaining interconnection amenities as well as improvements of the system can be fixed by him as well.
• A once off fee, as stated below, will be paid by a Distributed Generator via a pay order to NEPHRA for the issuing of a generation license.

Fee payable by applicant Size of DG amenity / facility

Free                   0   to 20     kilowatt

Rs. 500             20 to 50      kilowatt

Rs. 1,000          50 to 100    kilowatt

Rs. 5,000         100 to 1000 kilowatt

Frequently asked questions about net-metering in Pakistan

1. Net metering in Pakistan: What is it?

Through net metering DISCOs (Distribution Companies) permits their customers to install an RE (Renewable Energy) facility, onsite. This amenity/facility may not be below 1KW (kilowatts), whilst not surpassing 1 MW (megawatts) in its capacity.

In this way they are able to create energy for sustaining themselves. At the ending of every billing cycle, the Distributing Company will be netting off the kWh which the DG supplied at off-peak, against the supplied kWh by the DG.

2. Is net metering in Pakistan already available?

NEPHRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority) of Pakistan, adopted the regulation of the Generation; Transmission & Distribution of the Electric Power Act – Act 1997 section 7(1) on 1 September 2015 which approves the Rules and Regulations which enables the Net Metering Program for RE (Renewable Energy).

3. Which kinds of power generating amenities are acceptable for net metering?

Renewable Energy facilities like wind & solar energy systems, not surpassing 1MW in generating power capacity, which is efficient to install inside the premises of the customer, are allowed to partake in Pakistan’s program of net metering.

Net metering in Pakistan: eligibility criteria

4. Qualification to partake in the program of net metering?

Any person who complies with the conditions of a Distributed Generator as specified under NEPHRA’s regulation 2(k) concerning its net metering rules, is competent to partake in the program of net metering in Pakistan.

Regulation 2(k): “Distributed Generator means a distribution Company’s 3 phase 400V or 11kV consumer i.e. domestic, commercial or industrial and who owns and/or operates the Distribution Generation Facility and is responsible for the rights and obligations related to Agreement and licensed by Authority under these regulations.”

5. As a customer, receiving my power provision from a substantial supplier such as Bahria Town, will I be allowed to partake in the program of net metering in Pakistan?

According to the Rules & Regulations of NEPHRA it is clearly specified that a DISCO’s consumers are competent for participating in the process of net metering.

As far as Bahria Town is concerned, it purchases it’s power from LESCO, after which it distributes the electricity to their consumers, in other words, it is a distribution company.

Thus, any consumer receiving its power from a substantial supplier, such as Bahria Town can qualify for the program of net metering in Pakistan. This will depend on the substantial supplier’s willingness, whether it meets with the criteria as specified in the Net Metering Regulations of NEPHRA of 2015.

6. As a customer who is connected directly to the transmission-grid, will you be eligible to partake in this net metering process?

The answer is no. Customers, with a direct connection to the transmission-grid don’t qualify as DISCO clients, but are actually NTDC (National Transmission and Dispatch Company) customers.

Net metering in Pakistan: how it works

7. How will the import & export of energy work on my DISCO meter?

One bi-directional meter will be installed by the Distribution Company with the ability to import & export power. However, the Distribution Company (DISCO) can go for installing two meters which are unidirectional.

One meter will be metering the energy you purchase from your district’s DISCO, whilst the other one will be metering the energy you will be exporting to the DISCO.

8. Who will receive the power which I will export through my meter?

In general customers living nearby will receive your exported solar electricity.

9. What advantages will I receive if I opt for net metering?

By producing energy to sustain your own needs, you will decrease the quantity of power you will have to purchase from your district’s DISCO.

The tariff of the savings on self-produced electricity for your own need, is similar to the retail (off-peak) of the DISCO’s tariff, which consists of transmission, charges for generation, distribution, system loss, taxes, subsidies as well as other charges.

You can also receive credit on your power bill of the following billing cycle on all surplus electricity which is exported to the Distribution Company, equal to the Distribution Company’s blended generation price, but will exclude other generation adaptations.

10. Would the power I am exporting to the grid be deducted from the electricity which I will import from the grid?

The client will receive a monthly bill of his net export and import, which will indicate in addition, the net export of power into the grid, conversely the net energy imported from the grid.

However, in the event of a net import bill, it will be the DG which will be charged for the net kWh, according to the applicable rate.

11. What will happen if the power exported surpasses the power imported?

In such an event the DG’s follow up billing cycle will be credited with the net kWh.

12. Will a client get paid by the Distribution Company in PKR for his export of excess power to the grid?

The Distributed Generator receive a net export statement every month, the Distributing Company will be responsible to pay for this net export power as per off-peak tariff in PKR on a quarterly basis.

13. Installing a PV plant, without participating in the net metering process, what is the difference?

If the client did not sign an agreement for net metering in Pakistan, with a DISCO, all excess energy generated, which is not utilized at that instant, would be wasted.

On the other hand, the system can be net metered, the power meter will be running backwards, whilst providing a credit towards the power which is utilized at night or any other period of time when the power consumption surpasses the system’s output.

Net metering in Pakistan: renewable energy (re) system

14. A Renewable Energy facility’s maximum size I may install at my property?

The maximum size of a RE amenity can just be ascertained after you have taken into account the number of operating hours, load of your household, pattern of demand, how much space your rooftop offers for installing a solar system.

Net metering in Pakistan: the economics

15. At which tariff will the Distribution Company purchase the power which my system had generated?

NEPHRA, will determine the off peak tariff, occasionally, which will be the applicable rate for selling energy to the Distributing Company.

The off peak rate can be checked on your utility bill which is issued by the DISCO.

16. Which period of time will it take for returning my investment?

In general, the payback period will be different as it depends on the utilization & size of your system.  Usually the payback period differs from 7 to 10 years, for residential clients, 6 to 9 years for commercial consumers, whilst it will normally be 5 to 8 years for industrial consumers.

As mentioned above the payback time will be dependable on the following factors:

• Size of the system
• Solar resource availability
• Utilization of the system
• The system’s O & M
• Number of sunny days

Post installation

17. What to do if a customer wants to upgrade or modify the distributed generation amenity/facility?

When you are considering modifying any material of your distributed generation amenity, the DISCO must be notified in advance, for at least 40 working days.

18. What to do when I plan to discontinue the process of net metering in Pakistan?

When a DG considers to terminate the selling of energy to the DISCO, such a Distributed Generator should notify the DISCO 30 days in advance. This will make it possible to discontinue the agreement signed between the DISCO and the DG.

Conclusion:

After studying about net metering in Pakistan you may say, It is a great option to produce your own Renewable Energy in Pakistan, seeing this option against the backdrop of the fact that the country has power blackouts as well as load shedding, due to the fact that it has an enormous 4000MW shortfall of energy.

We advise you to Google all the other information you will need on the Internet to make an informed decision about becoming a Distributed Generator.