Adeel Hassan 
Pakistan solar policy 2026 made a major shift in its solar energy framework, moving new on-grid users from the traditional net metering to a revised “net billing” system.
The revised policy would now allow new solar consumers to earn around PKR 9.80 to PKR 10 per unit for the electricity exported back to the national grid. Previously, users were getting about PKR 27 to PKR 28 per unit, and the latest revision in the buyback rate is a significant reduction.
The policy change is meant to relieve financial pressure on electricity users who do not use solar power and to restore balance to the national electricity system, officials say.
Existing solar users remain protected under previous agreements
Authorities say current homeowners and businesses with approved net metering agreements will continue to receive the benefits of their original contracts.
The new policy applies only to new applicants entering the system after the revised framework takes effect. This assurance has provided relief to thousands of existing solar consumers throughout Pakistan.
The revised solar policy has also introduced a new licensing fee of PKR 1,000 per kW for new applications.
Hybrid solar systems are gaining popularity after the policy change
But the reduced export rate will influence the future return on investment for new users. However, solar energy will still be financially beneficial. Mostly, through self-consumption and reduced electricity bills.
The new structure has led to a growing interest in hybrid solar systems with lithium-ion battery storage, and homeowners are hoarding the additional power for nighttime use. All rather than selling their excess power to the grid at lower prices.
The trend is indicative of Pakistan’s growing transition towards more sophisticated energy storage and smarter handling of residential solar in 2026.
