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What’s Next for Pakistan’s Solar Net Metering Policy

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The Federal Government of Pakistan has recently announced a potential revision to the country’s solar net-metering policy, aimed at reducing losses in the power sector. Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari highlighted the significant changes in the solar net metering landscape, where the payback period for solar investments has drastically reduced from three years to just one to one and a half years. This revision could have profound implications for solar companies in Pakistan and their customers. Understanding Solar Net Metering Solar net metering is a billing mechanism that allows consumers who generate their own electricity using solar panels to send excess energy back to the grid. In return, they receive credits on their monthly electric bills. This system has been pivotal in promoting the adoption of solar energy in Pakistan, leading to significant savings for solar users and contributing to the overall energy mix. The Evolution of Solar Net Metering in Pakist

CM Maryam to launch ‘Roshan Gharana Program’

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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has unveiled plans to distribute 50,000 solar systems across the province as part of a comprehensive solar home solution initiative. The announcement came during a review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, where the Secretary of Energy provided insights into the program's implementation. The solar systems are set to feature cutting-edge technology, including advanced solar plates, inverters, batteries, and other essential components. With an initial allocation of Rs 12.6 billion for the first phase, the program aims to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability across Punjab. During the meeting, she emphasized the need for immediate action in installing one-kilowatt solar systems and urged the adoption of the latest solar technology. Additionally, she welcomed Chairman Wang Yaodong of China State Construction Engineering Corporation, highlighting the potential for collaboration between China and Pakistan. Nawaz lauded China's One Window

Latest Tax Imposition on Import of Solar Products

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  حالیہ منتخب PMLN حکومت کی وزارت تجارت کی طرف سے منعقدہ گزشتہ اجلاس کے تسلسل میں یہ فیصلہ کیا گیا ہے کہ حکومت آئندہ ہفتے سولر پینلز کی درآمد پر سیلز ٹیکس، اضافی ٹیکس اور کسٹم ڈیوٹی وصول کرے گی۔ یہ فیصلہ پاکستان میں سولر پینلز کی بڑے پیمانے پر درآمد کی وجہ سے کیا گیا جس کی وجہ سے لاکھوں ڈالر ملک سے باہر چلے جاتے ہیں۔ دوسری طرف حکومت صرف SinoTech چین نامی مجوزہ سولر مینوفیکچرر پر خام مال پر ڈیوٹی اور ٹیکس معاف کرے گی اور یہ غنی گلاس کمپنی پاکستان کے ساتھ تعاون ہے۔ یہ قدم ملکی معیشت کو فروغ دینے اور ملک کی اقتصادی ترقی کے لیے پاکستان میں مقامی صنعت کاری کو بڑھانے کے لیے اٹھایا گیا ہے۔ وزارت نے بتایا کہ ملکی معیشت کی نمو کے لیے یہ ایک معمول کی بات ہوگی۔ نتیجے کے طور پر، سولر پینلز کی درآمد کے لیے بیرونی ممالک کو ایل سی محدود ہو جائے گا اور اس سے امریکی ڈالر کے لحاظ سے ملکی اثاثوں کی بچت میں اضافہ ہو گا۔ نو منتخب حکومت کی اس حکمت عملی کے نتیجے میں درآمدی سولر پینلز کی قیمتوں میں ٹیکس اور ڈیوٹیز شامل کرنے کے بعد اچانک اضافہ ہو جائے گا۔ اس طرح سبز اور صاف توانائی کی تنصیب کی تیزی سے بڑھتی ہو

MoC proposes SinoTech JV Ghani Glass for Solar Panel Localization

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Rashid Langrial supports the avoidance of high duties on finished Solar Panels to prevent price increases for consumers! The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has proposed a joint venture (JV) between Chinese firm Sinotec Solar (Pvt) Ltd and local company Ghani Glass to accelerate solar panel production in Pakistan. This suggestion was made during a recent inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Additional Secretary Incharge of the Ministry of Industries and Production. The meeting, which reviewed progress on decisions from a previous session held on February 26, 2024, addressed various issues including the importation plans of Sinotec and the imposition of tariffs and taxes on the solar industry. Langrial advocated for the avoidance of high duties on finished solar panels to prevent price increases for consumers. He also emphasized the need for Sinotec Solar to present a detailed five to seven-year indigenization plan to qualify for zero-rated duties on imports of raw m

What Are TOPCon Solar Cells? P-type PERC vs N-type TopCon?

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Manufacturers of photovoltaic (PV) modules are always trying to find new, more advanced alternatives to increase solar panel efficiencies. Efficiency improvements can be achieved by innovative cell manufacturing technologies, and now, there are a few competing in the Solar PV market. The latest module trend expects that the market growth will be centred on HJT and TOPCon solar cells. The 2022 report from International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV) shows some expected trends for the next 10 years: ♦   PERC  (Passivated Emitter Rear Contact) solar cell technology currently is the market leader with market share of around 75%. But the forecast is that the share of p-type mono-Si PERC cells will decrease to about 10% within the next 10 years. ♦  N-type TOPCon  (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) technology will gain market share from about 10% in 2022 up to 60% in 2033, becoming the mainstream silicon wafer type. It’s predicted that the biggest increase will happen from 2024. ♦