Pakistan can harness its growth in rooftop solar through decentralised, community-driven “swarm grids”, but regulatory reform remains the key missing link between technical feasibility and large-scale deployment, according to a new study. The Policy Research Institute for Equitable Development…
Pakistan could leverage its rapidly expanding rooftop solar sector by establishing decentralized, community-managed "swarm grids," though necessary regulatory frameworks must be enacted before these systems can achieve widespread adoption, a recent report indicates.
The Policy Research Institute for Equitable Development (PRIED) introduced the techno-economic evaluation on Thursday during a gathering that brought together lawmakers, regulators, industry experts, and civic representatives. The research includes two reports detailing the practical and financial viability of swarm grids across cities and countryside settings, alongside an actionable transition plan.
Consumer demand from homes, agricultural operations, and commercial enterprises seeking affordable, reliable energy has fueled the nation's solar adoption rather than top-down state initiatives. Imports of photovoltaic modules have surpassed 50 gigawatts, exceeding the country's total installed grid generation capacity of roughly 41 gigawatts. Despite this influx of distributed solar capacity, widespread power disruptions and extended load-shedding persist nationwide.
The research emphasizes that structural coordination, rather than generation shortfall, presents the primary obstacle, as millions of independent rooftop systems currently function without centralized integration. PRIED characterizes a swarm grid as a digitally networked local system where participants generate, store, and trade power locally with nearby consumers, relying on the national grid mainly for backup power. Unlike fixed-boundary microgrids, these flexible networks permit households to connect, disconnect, or trade electricity adaptively.
Investigators evaluated the system using an hourly dispatch model, local solar data, and field surveys in two distinct environments: the urban capital of Islamabad, featuring a dense grid connection, and the rural Tharparkar region in Sindh, marked by spread-out settlements and seasonal agriculture. The evaluation confirmed technical feasibility in both settings, noting that urban setups could function as profitable private enterprises, whereas rural variations would require targeted initial funding and technical training due to lower energy density and elevated setup expenses.
Existing statutory restrictions represent the primary bottleneck, as current rules ban direct consumer-to-consumer trading and independent power sales within established distribution territories. Broader implementation hinges on regulators establishing policies that govern vendor eligibility, energy pricing, and financial settlement frameworks. The study outlines immediate and long-term action items for entities like the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, the Independent System and Market Operator, utility companies, local authorities, and development banks.
Key administrative steps recommended include legalizing peer-to-peer power sales, standardizing network-connected solar equipment, opening retail power markets through the Competitive Trading Bilateral Contract Market, and initiating rural and urban trials. Additionally, the roadmap includes gender-inclusive policies, such as allowing joint spousal registration for solar equipment, involving women in system delivery, and backing female-led technical and maintenance crews.
Originally reported by Energy Update on Sep 10, 2026.
