Experts speaking on Wednesday at the final session of the Solar, Storage and Flexibility Conference in Islamabad warned that Pakistan must secure domestic industrial investment and innovation related to rooftop solar to capture the economic benefits of its growing market.
While Pakistan has established one of the largest consumer-driven solar markets globally, components such as panels, batteries, inverters, and electric vehicles remain heavily imported, meaning most economic gains go abroad. Panelists emphasized that future opportunities depend on establishing local manufacturing capabilities, enhancing technology transfer, cultivating workforce skills, and setting up consistent policy frameworks for long-term investments.
Andrew Chang, CEO of New Energy Nexus, noted that establishing an industrial foundation entails reducing technological risks, fostering trust, and focusing on human capital before production can truly begin. He added that market adoption, competitive pricing, talent development, and support for entrepreneurs are essential drivers of consumer value.
