Solar surge must fuel domestic industry

Pakistan's next energy challenge is ensuring the country captures the industries, investment and innovation around rooftop solar, experts said at the concluding day of the Solar, Storage and Flexibility Conference on Wednesday.

Although Pakistan has built one of the world's largest consumer-led solar markets, much of the economic value continues to flow overseas, with panels, batteries, inverters and electric vehicles still largely imported. Speakers said the country's next opportunity lay in developing local manufacturing, strengthening technology transfer, investing in skills and creating stable policy frameworks that could encourage long-term investment.

New Energy Nexus CEO Andrew Chang said building an industrial ecosystem required more than factories. "A successful industrial ecosystem starts with de-risking technology, building trust and investing in people. Before manufacturing can take root, products need to be widely adopted and competitive in the market. At the same time, countries must develop the talent pipeline and support entrepreneurs, because they are the ones who ultimately deliver value to consumers."

The conference also highlighted Pakistan's growing significance in the global energy transition. The Global Solar Council's 300 Million Solar Homes campaign, launched in partnership with the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy, aims to install rooftop solar, paired where appropriate with battery storage, on 300 million homes and small businesses by 2030.

Pakistan, with its solar rush, is presented as an early example of that ambition. The country imported more solar panels over the past two years than many countries deployed in a decade. Residential electricity demand has increased by 32% over the same period, driven almost entirely by distributed solar.

Global Solar Council CEO Sonia Dunlop said Pakistan's consumer-led solar transition had become an important reference point for countries pursuing similar pathways.