Solar Panels Tax in Pakistan’s 2025–26 Budget: What It Means & How to Save Costs with Photon Products
The Government of Pakistan, in the 2025–26 Federal Budget, imposed a 10% General Sales Tax (GST) on the import of solar panels and equipment, aiming to boost local manufacturing and generate revenue. While this move has stirred concern in the solar community, customers can still reduce their solar installation costs—especially by choosing affordable, high-performance options like Photon’s inverters and lithium batteries.
What Has Changed in the Budget?
Initially, an 18% GST was proposed, triggering massive backlash from stakeholders. After negotiations, the final budget reduced this to 10% GST, applicable from July 1, 2025. This tax is now levied on solar panel imports, including modules, inverters, and other components.
Who Will Be Affected?
Importers
- Will pay 10% GST at customs on every imported solar product.
- This raises their landing cost, forcing them to increase prices for dealers and installers.
Wholesale Dealers
- Must pay GST on goods purchased from importers.
- Their selling prices will rise, making it harder to offer competitive rates.
End Users
- The end cost of solar systems will increase by 8–12%.
- Households, businesses, and industries will feel this change in their installation budgets.
How the Tax Will Be Applied
| Stage | Tax Mechanism |
|---|---|
| At Customs | 10% GST on declared import value of panels/inverters. |
| For Dealers | GST-adjusted invoices to customers; reporting to FBR. |
| Retail Sales | GST included in overall installation cost. |
| Net Metering | Unaffected directly by GST; still under DISCO policies. |
Impact on the Market
This tax comes during a boom—Pakistan imported 17 GW of solar panels in 2024 alone. While the government justifies it as a step to support local manufacturing, installers and consumers worry about the immediate hike in solar system prices and a slowdown in adoption, especially in residential sectors.
How to Reduce Solar Costs with Photon Products
Amid this cost increase, one company is helping Pakistani customers save more and still go solar—Photon.
1. Photon On-Grid Inverters (3KW–125KW)
Photon offers a full range of on-grid inverters at very economical prices:
- Single-phase and three-phase options
- Efficiency up to 98.8%
- Seamless net metering compatibility
- 3KW to 125KW range covers both homes and large industries
Savings Tip: Lower-priced inverters reduce overall project costs while maintaining premium performance.
2. Photon Hybrid Inverters (3.6KW to 11KW)
For users who want solar + battery systems:
- Dual MPPT, Pure Sine Wave Output
- Programmable supply priority for grid/solar/battery
- Detachable LCD and built-in WiFi
- Available in 3.6KW, 6KW, and 11KW capacities
- These inverters help optimize solar usage day and night—without overspending.
3. Photon Lithium Batteries (2.4KW to 10.2KW)
Locally assembled and extremely cost-effective:
- Rack-based and wall-mounted options
- 5-year replacement + 5-year performance warranty
- BMS with LED display and multiple protections
- Available in 24V and 48V versions
Photon’s advanced spot-welding assembly ensures long life and premium safety at a much lower price than imported batteries.
Why Photon Is the Smart Choice in 2025–26
| Feature | Photon Advantage |
|---|---|
| Local Support | 1-year free service, trained staff |
| Warranty | Up to 5-year replacement warranty |
| Price | Lowest in market without quality loss |
| OEM/ODM Support | Custom branding for large installers |
| FBR & PEC Registered | Ensures eligibility for net metering |
Final Thoughts
While the 10% GST on solar panel imports is a hurdle for Pakistan’s clean energy transition, affordable, reliable, and locally-supported products like those from Photon offer a clear way to keep solar accessible.
Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or solar installer—switching to Photon inverters and batteries can drastically reduce your solar system costs and protect you from market uncertainty.