Pakistan becomes world’s largest importer of solar panels

Pakistan has quietly become the world’s largest importer of solar panels. 

In 2024, Pakistan imported more solar panels than all countries, according to a report by British energy think tank Amber.

Pakistan imported 17 GW of solar panels in 2024 alone, the report said.

According to the report, Pakistan’s solar imports are surprising because it was not done under any global investment, national program or large-scale organized project, but due to the personal efforts of consumers.

Most of the demand for solar panels is from domestic consumers, small businesses and commercial enterprises who want to get cheaper and reliable energy than expensive and uncertain government electricity, the report said.

According to experts, in 2024, Pakistan’s imports of solar panels make up almost half of the total demand for electricity across the country.