The Pakistan Solar Association (PSA) has voiced concerns over proposed net metering regulations, warning of significant impacts on the solar industry, particularly for residential users and SMEs. The changes could double the payback period for on-grid photovoltaic systems from 1.5 years to almost three, making them less attractive.
PSA Chairman Waqas Moosa highlighted that hybrid solar systems with batteries, which already have a payback period of under three years, are likely to gain popularity. He added that the gap between the Rs10 export rate and savings of Rs50-60 per unit through self-consumption will encourage consumers to adopt battery storage and reduce reliance on utility companies. This shift could increase electricity costs for grid-dependent customers, potentially harming lower-income households.
Moosa criticized policymakers for the lack of industry consultation, stressing that abrupt changes could destabilize the market. He warned of supply chain issues, inventory losses for traders, and price hikes for hybrid systems and batteries.
