Solar Adoption Under Pressure

Solar adoption in Pakistan has suffered its first major blow in a long time as net metering units fell 27.2 percent month over month in August 2026, with dependence on the national grid showing a sudden rise.

Key points

• According to data from Arif Habib Limited, net metering units declined 27.2 percent from July to August.
• The monthly decline in net metering units comes against the backdrop of a broader shift in the contribution of solar power to Pakistan's electricity supply.
• Pakistan's rooftop solar market has expanded rapidly as households and businesses seek relief from high grid electricity costs.
• Obtain the latest business news, market insights, and economic updates wherever you prefer.

According to data from Arif Habib Limited, net metering units declined 27.2 percent from July to August. Nevertheless, net metering's share of total power generation climbed by 10 basis points year-on-year during August. Govt to Offer Risk Free Power Privatization Deals.

While the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) expects power demand to grow 1.0 percent year over year in calendar year 2026, overall power generation rose 5.1 percent year over year in August.

Notably, the monthly decline in net metering units comes against the backdrop of a broader shift in the contribution of solar power to Pakistan's electricity supply. Although its share of total generation remained higher than a year earlier, the latest figures indicate a drop in net metering output compared with July.

Pakistan's rooftop solar market has expanded rapidly as households and businesses seek relief from high grid electricity costs. Nevertheless, changes to net metering rules have altered the financial benefits of selling surplus electricity to the grid.

In February 2026, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority introduced new prosumer regulations that replaced the previous net metering system with net billing, under which exported electricity is credited separately from electricity purchased from the grid. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

Obtain the latest business news, market insights, and economic updates wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover. Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.

In short, solar Adoption Under Pressure is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.