Pakistan Launches First-Ever Solar Panel Testing Laboratory

Pakistan has inaugurated its first-ever laboratory dedicated to testing photovoltaic (PV) modules, commonly known as solar panels—an important milestone in the country’s push toward sustainable energy and technological progress.

The facility has been set up through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), with substantial backing from the Korean government. The project was funded through a $9.5 million KOICA grant, supplemented by Rs185.8 million from Pakistan’s Public Sector Development Program (PSDP).

Once the lab secures accreditation under ISO-17025 standards, including IEC-61215 and IEC-61730, it will become fully functional, making it possible to conduct comprehensive quality assessments of both imported and domestically produced solar panels.

The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) will supervise all testing activities. The authority also aims to obtain Certification Body Testing Laboratory (CBTL) status, enabling it to issue internationally recognized IEC compliance certificates—an essential step for boosting Pakistan’s solar-related exports to European and Central Asian markets.

KOICA played a key role not only in constructing and equipping the laboratory but also in providing extensive nine-month training for the operational team. The facility was jointly inaugurated by KOICA President Chang Won Sam and South Korean Ambassador Park Jae-Lark, symbolizing the strong cooperation between Pakistan and South Korea in advancing renewable energy initiatives.

The establishment of this state-of-the-art testing center is expected to significantly strengthen Pakistan’s solar industry, support its green energy transformation, and enhance consumer confidence in solar technology.