Pakistan has quietly emerged as one of the world’s largest importers of solar panels, bringing in a staggering 17 gigawatts in 2024 alone, according to the Global Electricity Review 2025 by UK-based think tank Ember. This marks more than a twofold increase from the previous year and signals a major shift in how energy is being accessed and consumed across the country.
What makes this transformation remarkable is the absence of major government initiatives or international green financing. Instead, the surge in rooftop solar adoption is being fueled by households, small businesses, and commercial users seeking a way out of frequent power outages and rising electricity bills. Experts describe it as a “survival response” in a country grappling with an unreliable grid and soaring energy prices.
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Aerial satellite imagery now reveals urban rooftops across Pakistan glowing blue with solar panels, showing the scale and speed of this decentralized shift. Energy specialists emphasize that the majority of these systems are off-grid or behind-the-meter, meaning they often operate outside of official statistics and regulatory oversight.
While the grassroots nature of this solar revolution is impressive, it also presents challenges. With no large-scale policy support or infrastructure upgrades, the national grid is struggling to keep pace. Experts warn of a looming “utility death spiral” as more users abandon the public grid, which could worsen power shortages during peak hours.
Pakistan’s example offers a powerful model for other Global South nations, proving that energy transitions don’t always have to begin at the top. In this case, necessity has become the mother of innovation, and rooftops have become the new frontiers of energy independence.
