Pakistanis to be Able to Sell Solar Power Back to the Government

In a situation where energy crisis is only worsening with each passing day, Pakistan has approved the usage of grid-connected solar energy that will enable common citizen to sell solar energy back to national-grid at a fixed rate.

When implemented, individuals will be able to send energy back to the national-grid with the help of smart-meters with following details:

• If you have solar panels installed and you are generating more energy than you need, then simply send the power back to the grid and get paid
• Individuals can take input from the grid (as we do now) however they will also be able to send additional energy back to grid when they will have more energy than the requirement (for example: during day time)
• With net-metering, individuals will be credited for the solar energy they will add to the national grid.
• Tariff applicable for purchase of electricity from the consumer will be the same at which he has been billed by the company for electric power

Individuals who can generate more energy than they need can simply send the power back to the grid and get paid

While the smart grid ecosystem requires the complete over-haul of meters and the grid, the project can go in phases and simple meter-replacement with smart-meter can start the process.

Unfortunately, unlike conventional meters that are provided by electric companies, consumers who would want to sell solar-generated electric power will have to bear the cost for the the smart-meters installations.

The approval of net-metering is a major breakthrough that could spur use of solar energy and help Pakistan’s government cut power shortages in the long run.

Also Read:

• Smart Grid for Pakistan!
• Everything You Need to Know to Setup Solar Energy Plant in Pakistan!

This approval for net-metering is followed by reversal in 32.5% tax that was imposed on imported solar equipment in the country’s 2014-2015 budget.

Starting Q1 2015, Bank Al Falah will allow financing up to five million rupees for rooftop solar installation

Along-with a plan for mortgage financing for home solar panels is also in the approved by the State Bank to encourage individuals get solar panels installed at their premises.

State Bank of Pakistan and the Alternative Energy Development Board have recently allowed the bank Al Falah for the first time to finance rooftop solar installation with home mortgages.

Starting first quarter of 2015, Bank Al Falah will allow financing up to five million rupees for rooftop solar installation.

With massive tax-cut for solar energy products, on top of mortgage financing, government is expecting around 800-1,000 megawatts of solar panels imports by private sector during 2015.

Via Dawn