💰 Solar vs WAPDA Cost Comparison – Which Saves More Money in 2026? 🇵🇰
📅 Last Updated: February 2026
⚡ BREAKING NEWS: With NEPRA’s new net billing rules now officially in effect and electricity tariffs hitting Rs. 55+ per unit, the financial equation between solar and WAPDA has completely changed!
The big question every Pakistani is asking: Is solar still worth it? 🤔 The short answer is YES—but the strategy has changed. This guide gives you the REAL cost comparison based on February 2026 policies, so you can make the right decision for your home.
Roman Urdu: “Solar aur WAPDA mein kaunsa zyada bachat karta hai? Naye rules 2026 mein jawab badal gaya hai. Yeh guide aapko sahi decision lene mein madad karega.” 💪
📚 What This Guide Covers 🔽
👉 1️⃣ Latest 2026 Policy Earthquake – Net Metering is Gone! 🌍
👉 2️⃣ WAPDA Electricity – What You’re Actually Paying 💸
👉 3️⃣ Solar Cost Breakdown (2026 Updated Prices) ☀️
👉 4️⃣ Side-by-Side Cost Comparison 📊
👉 5️⃣ Payback Period Analysis – Old vs New Rules ⏱️
👉 6️⃣ On-Grid vs Hybrid vs Off-Grid – Which Wins? 🏆
👉 7️⃣ Real Examples: 5 Marla, 10 Marla, 1 Kanal 🏠
👉 8️⃣ The Verdict – Which Saves More Money? ✅
👉 9️⃣ FAQs (Real Pakistani Scenarios) ❓
🌍 1️⃣ Latest 2026 Policy Earthquake – Net Metering is Gone! ⚠️
Before we compare costs, you MUST understand the massive policy shift that happened in February 2026.
What Changed? 🔄
On February 9, 2026, NEPRA officially replaced the decade-old net metering system with Net Billing Regulations 2026 .
| Feature | Old System (Before 2026) | New System (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Unit-for-unit offset | Monetary net billing |
| Export Rate | Rs. 25–27 per unit | Rs. 10–11 per unit |
| Grid Purchase Rate | Same as export | Rs. 34–60 per unit |
| Contract Duration | 7 years | 5 years |
| Who It Applies To | New users immediately | Existing users protected until contract expiry |
Roman Urdu: “February 2026 mein NEPRA ne net metering khatam kar di. Ab jo extra bijli grid ko bejo ge, wo sirf 10-11 rupee per unit mile ga, lekin grid se lo ge to 34-60 rupee per unit.” 😱
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Existing Solar Users Are Protected!
About 80-85% of existing solar prosumers (approved in FY2024-25) will continue benefiting from the old net metering regime until 2030-31 at Rs. 25.32 per unit .
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also directed the Power Division to file a review petition to protect existing contracts .
Roman Urdu: “Agar aapke paas pehle se solar hai aur net metering contract hai, to aap par koi farq nahi pare ga. Purane rules 2030-31 tak chalein ge.” ✅
💸 2️⃣ WAPDA Electricity – What You’re Actually Paying 📊
Current WAPDA/K-Electric Tariffs (2026)
NEPRA has determined the national average electricity tariff at Rs. 33.38 per unit for 2026, slightly down from Rs. 34.00 . BUT—this is the average. What you actually pay depends on your consumption slab:
| Monthly Consumption | Approximate Rate (Rs/unit) |
|---|---|
| 1-100 units (protected) | Rs. 15–18 |
| 101-200 units (protected) | Rs. 18–22 |
| 201-300 units | Rs. 22–25 |
| 301-400 units | Rs. 25–30 |
| 401-500 units | Rs. 30–35 |
| 501-600 units | Rs. 35–40 |
| 600+ units | Rs. 40–55+ |
Plus NEW Fixed Charges (2026):
| Sanctioned Load | Monthly Fixed Charge |
|---|---|
| 2 kW | Rs. 200–400 |
| 5 kW | Rs. 500–2,500 |
| 6 kW+ | Rs. 675–4,050 |
Roman Urdu: “WAPDA ki bijli 15 se 55 rupee per unit hai, consumption ke hisaab se. Fixed charges alag 200 se 4,000 rupee mahina!” 💰
☀️ 3️⃣ Solar Cost Breakdown (2026 Updated Prices) 📋
Complete Solar System Costs (Installed)
| System Type | 3 kW | 5 kW | 10 kW |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-Grid (No Battery) | Rs. 3.3–3.8 Lacs | Rs. 5.5–7.0 Lacs | Rs. 8.5–10.0 Lacs |
| Hybrid (With Battery) | Rs. 4.0–4.5 Lacs | Rs. 8.5–10.5 Lacs | Rs. 13–30 Lacs |
| Off-Grid (Full Battery) | Rs. 5.0–6.0 Lacs | Rs. 9.5–12.0 Lacs | Rs. 18–35 Lacs |
Panel Prices (2026): Rs. 33–40 per watt for quality panels
Battery Costs (2026)
| Battery Type | 5kW System | Life | Monthly Cost Over Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead Acid | Rs. 150,000–200,000 | 3–4 years | Rs. 3,500–5,000 |
| Lithium (LiFePO4) | Rs. 250,000–400,000 | 8–10 years | Rs. 2,500–3,500 |
Roman Urdu: “Solar system ki qeemat size aur type par depend karti hai. On-grid sasta hai, hybrid aur off-grid mehnga lekin backup deta hai.” 🔋
📊 4️⃣ Side-by-Side Cost Comparison 📈
Let’s compare the actual cost per unit of electricity from each source:
| Cost Factor | WAPDA (Grid) | Solar (Self-Consumption) | Solar (Exported to Grid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Unit | Rs. 34–55 | Rs. 0 (after payback) | Rs. 10–11 |
| Fixed Charges | Rs. 200–4,050/month | Rs. 0 | N/A |
| Increases Over Time | 5–10% annually | Free | Fixed at Rs. 10–11 |
| Load-shedding | Yes | No (with battery) | N/A |
Roman Urdu: “WAPDA ki bijli 34-55 rupee hai aur har saal mehngi hoti hai. Solar ki bijli apni consumption par FREE hai, lekin export par sirf 10-11 rupee mile ga.” 💡
Monthly Cost Example: 5kW System vs WAPDA
Assumptions:
Average monthly consumption: 800 units
Solar generation: 700–800 units/month
Daytime consumption: 400 units
Night consumption: 400 units
| Scenario | Monthly Bill | Annual Cost | 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAPDA Only | Rs. 25,000–30,000 | Rs. 3,00,000–3,60,000 | Rs. 15–18 Lacs |
| Solar On-Grid | Rs. 4,000–6,000* | Rs. 48,000–72,000 | Rs. 2.4–3.6 Lacs |
| Solar Hybrid | Rs. 1,000–3,000** | Rs. 12,000–36,000 | Rs. 0.6–1.8 Lacs |
| Solar Off-Grid | Rs. 0–500 | Rs. 0–6,000 | Rs. 0–30,000 |
*After system cost recovery *With battery storing daytime power for night use
Roman Urdu: “WAPDA par 25-30,000 mahina lagta hai. Solar laga kar 1-6,000 tak la sakte hain. Solar system ka paisa 2-4 saal mein wapas aa jata hai.” 💰
⏱️ 5️⃣ Payback Period Analysis – Old vs New Rules 📅
This is where the 2026 policy change has the biggest impact.
Old Rules (Before 2026) – Unit-for-Unit Net Metering
| System Size | Cost | Monthly Saving | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW On-Grid | Rs. 3.5 Lacs | Rs. 15,000–18,000 | 18–24 months |
| 5 kW On-Grid | Rs. 6.0 Lacs | Rs. 25,000–30,000 | 20–24 months |
| 10 kW On-Grid | Rs. 12.0 Lacs | Rs. 50,000–60,000 | 20–24 months |
New Rules (2026) – Net Billing
| System Type | Cost | Monthly Saving | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW On-Grid | Rs. 3.5 Lacs | Rs. 8,000–10,000 | 3–4 years |
| 5 kW On-Grid | Rs. 6.0 Lacs | Rs. 12,000–15,000 | 4–5 years |
| 5 kW Hybrid | Rs. 9.0 Lacs | Rs. 18,000–22,000 | 4–5 years |
| 10 kW On-Grid | Rs. 12.0 Lacs | Rs. 25,000–30,000 | 4–5 years |
Why the change? Under new rules, exported power earns only Rs. 10–11/unit instead of Rs. 25–27. But self-consumption (using solar power directly) still saves you Rs. 45–55/unit!
Roman Urdu: “Naye rules mein payback period pehle 2 saal tha ab 3-4 saal ho gaya. Lekin phir bhi 4 saal mein system ka paisa wapas aa jata hai aur 20+ saal free bijli!” 💪
Power Minister’s Defense 🎤
Power Minister Sardar Owais Leghari explains: Even under new rules, solar returns are around 37% —still far better than bank deposits at 8% or IPPs at 17% .
Roman Urdu: “Power Minister kehta hai ke naye rules mein bhi solar par 37% return milta hai, jo bank se kaheen behtar hai.” 📈
🏆 6️⃣ On-Grid vs Hybrid vs Off-Grid – Which Wins? 🥇
🔹 On-Grid (Grid-Tied) – The Budget Champion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest – Rs. 5.5–7 Lacs for 5kW |
| Best For | Areas with NO load-shedding |
| How It Works | Solar power during day; grid at night |
| 2026 Strategy | Maximize daytime consumption |
| Payback | 4–5 years |
Roman Urdu: “On-grid sasta hai lekin load-shedding mein band ho jata hai. Din mein jitna ho sake solar power use karo.”
🔹 Hybrid (Grid + Battery) – The Smart Strategist 🧠
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Medium – Rs. 8.5–10.5 Lacs for 5kW |
| Best For | Areas with moderate load-shedding |
| How It Works | Solar charges batteries during day; batteries power home at peak evening hours |
| 2026 Strategy | “Peak Shaving” – Avoid expensive evening grid rates (Rs. 50–60/unit) |
| Payback | 4–5 years |
Roman Urdu: “Hybrid 2026 ka winner hai! Din mein solar se battery charge karo aur sham 6-10 baje (peak hours) battery se chalao—mehngi bijli bachao!” 🏆
🔹 Off-Grid (Full Battery) – The Freedom Fighter 🏝️
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Highest – Rs. 9.5–12 Lacs for 5kW |
| Best For | Remote areas, no grid access, frequent long load-shedding |
| How It Works | Complete independence from WAPDA |
| 2026 Strategy | Energy efficiency critical—every unit is precious |
| Payback | 5–7 years |
Roman Urdu: “Off-grid un areas ke liye hai jahan WAPDA hai hi nahi ya load-shedding bohat zyada hai. Lekin mehnga hai.”
🏆 The 2026 Winner: HYBRID
For most Pakistani homes in 2026, Hybrid is the smartest choice. Why?
✅ Store solar power in batteries during the day
✅ Use battery power during peak evening hours (6–11 PM) when grid rates are highest (Rs. 50–60/unit)
✅ Export only what’s absolutely extra (at low Rs. 10–11 rate)
✅ Get 4–6 hours backup during load-shedding
✅ Extra Rs. 200,000–300,000 investment pays off by avoiding peak rates
Roman Urdu: “2026 mein hybrid system sab se acha hai. Din mein battery charge karo, sham ko peak hours mein battery use karo. Export kam karo, saving zyada!” 💡
🏠 7️⃣ Real Examples: 5 Marla, 10 Marla, 1 Kanal 🏡
Example 1: 5 Marla Home
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Typical Consumption | 300–500 units/month |
| Recommended System | 3–5 kW Hybrid |
| Estimated Cost | Rs. 4–9 Lacs |
| Monthly Bill Before | Rs. 12,000–20,000 |
| Monthly Bill After | Rs. 2,000–4,000 |
| Payback Period | 3–4 years |
Pro Tip: Use N-Type Bifacial panels (Jinko Tiger Neo, Longi Hi-MO 7) for limited roof space
Roman Urdu: “5 Marla ghar ke liye 3-5 kW hybrid best hai. 3-4 saal mein paisa wapas.”
Example 2: 10 Marla Home
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Typical Consumption | 600–900 units/month |
| Recommended System | 5–8 kW Hybrid |
| Estimated Cost | Rs. 9–15 Lacs |
| Monthly Bill Before | Rs. 25,000–40,000 |
| Monthly Bill After | Rs. 3,000–6,000 |
| Payback Period | 4–5 years |
Pro Tip: Lithium battery recommended for longer life and better ROI
Roman Urdu: “10 Marla ke liye 5-8 kW hybrid. Lithium battery lo—mehngi hai lekin 10 saal chalti hai.”
Example 3: 1 Kanal Home
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Typical Consumption | 1,000–1,500 units/month |
| Recommended System | 10–15 kW Hybrid |
| Estimated Cost | Rs. 18–35 Lacs |
| Monthly Bill Before | Rs. 45,000–70,000 |
| Monthly Bill After | Rs. 5,000–10,000 |
| Payback Period | 4–5 years |
Pro Tip: Consider three-phase hybrid inverter for heavy loads (ACs, motors)
Roman Urdu: “1 Kanal ghar ke liye 10-15 kW system. Three-phase inverter chahiye agar ACs zyada hain.”
✅ 8️⃣ The Verdict – Which Saves More Money? 🏁
Short-Term (1–3 Years) ⏳
| Winner | Why |
|---|---|
| WAPDA | No upfront cost |
| Solar | Higher monthly savings after payback |
Medium-Term (3–7 Years) 📊
| Winner | Why |
|---|---|
| SOLAR | System pays for itself in 3–5 years; free electricity after |
| WAPDA | Bills keep increasing every year |
Long-Term (7–25 Years) 🔮
| Winner | Why |
|---|---|
| SOLAR | 20+ years of FREE electricity |
| WAPDA | Cumulative bills of Rs. 5–10 million+ |
Financial Comparison – 10 Year Period 💰
| Scenario | Total Cost (10 Years) |
|---|---|
| WAPDA Only | Rs. 3.5–5.0 Million |
| Solar On-Grid | Rs. 0.5–1.0 Million |
| Solar Hybrid | Rs. 0.8–1.5 Million |
Roman Urdu: “10 saal mein WAPDA par 35-50 lakh lagenge, solar par sirf 5-15 lakh. Solar ne 3-4 saal mein apna paisa nikal liya, baqi 6-7 saal FREE bijli!” 🎉
✅ The Final Answer: Which Saves More Money?
SOLAR – Without question. Even with the new 2026 net billing rules, solar saves significantly more money than WAPDA over the long term.
| Factor | WAPDA | Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Zero | High |
| Monthly Cost | High & Rising | Low to Zero |
| 10-Year Cost | Rs. 3.5–5 Million | Rs. 0.5–1.5 Million |
| Inflation Protection | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Load-shedding | ❌ Yes | ✅ No (with battery) |
| Asset Value | ❌ None | ✅ Adds to property |
Roman Urdu: “SOLAR behtar hai—bilkul! Naye rules ke baad bhi 10 saal mein solar WAPDA se 20-30 lakh sasta hai. Aur bijli ki qeematein har saal badhti hain, solar already free.” 💪☀️
🔑 Key Takeaways for 2026 🎯
✅ DO:
Install solar NOW – Prices may increase; tariffs won’t decrease
Choose HYBRID – Store power for expensive peak evening hours
Maximize self-consumption – Run ACs, motors, washing machines during daytime
Right-size your system – Don’t exceed sanctioned load (max system = sanctioned load)
Use quality components – N-Type Bifacial panels, lithium batteries
❌ DON’T:
Don’t oversize for export – Export rate is only Rs. 10–11 now
Don’t go fully off-grid without need – Expensive and unnecessary for most
Don’t buy cheap Chinese panels – Degrade quickly, poor performance
Don’t skip battery in hybrid – Point of hybrid is peak evening savings
❓ 9️⃣ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (Real Pakistani Scenarios) 🙋
Q1: Has net metering really ended in Pakistan? 🤔
A: Yes, on February 9, 2026, NEPRA officially replaced net metering with net billing under the Prosumer Regulations 2026 . However, existing users (approved in FY2024-25) are protected under old rules until 2030-31 at Rs. 25.32/unit .
Roman Urdu: “Haan, net metering khatam ho gayi. Lekin purane users par koi farq nahi—wo 2030-31 tak purane rates par chalein ge.”
Q2: Is solar still worth it in 2026 with the new rules? 💰
A: YES! Payback period has increased from 18 months to 3–5 years, but solar still saves massive money over 25 years. The key is self-consumption, not export .
Roman Urdu: “Bilkul! Pehle 1.5 saal mein paisa wapas aata tha, ab 3-4 saal lagte hain. Lekin 25 saal FREE bijli—kya baat hai!” 💪
Q3: What’s the best solar system for 2026? 🏆
A: Hybrid system with lithium battery is the 2026 winner. It stores daytime solar power for expensive peak evening hours (6–11 PM), saving you Rs. 50–60/unit .
Roman Urdu: “Hybrid system + lithium battery—yeh 2026 ka champion hai. Sham ki mehngi bijli se bachao!” 🏆
Q4: How much can I save per month with solar? 📉
A: A properly sized 5kW system can reduce your bill from Rs. 25,000–30,000 to just Rs. 2,000–5,000—saving Rs. 20,000–25,000 monthly .
Roman Urdu: “5kW system 25,000 ka bill ghatakar 2-5,000 kar sakta hai. 20-25,000 mahina bachat!” 💰
Q5: What is the export rate under new rules? ⚡
A: Approximately Rs. 10–11 per unit, based on the National Average Energy Purchase Price .
Roman Urdu: “Export rate ab sirf 10-11 rupee per unit hai—pehle 27 rupee tha. Is liye export kam karo, self-consumption zyada karo.”
Q6: Will my existing solar contract be protected? 🛡️
A: Yes! About 80-85% of existing prosumers (approved in FY2024-25) will continue under old net metering rates (Rs. 25.32/unit) until 2030-31 . PM Shehbaz Sharif has also ordered protection .
Roman Urdu: “Aapka purana contract safe hai! 2030-31 tak purane rates par bijli bech sakte ho.” ✅
Q7: On-grid vs hybrid – which is better financially? 📊
A: Hybrid is better in 2026 because it lets you store solar power for peak evening hours when grid rates are highest (Rs. 50–60/unit). The extra battery cost pays off in 2–3 years .
Roman Urdu: “Hybrid behtar hai. Din ki free bijli battery mein store karo, sham ki mehngi bijli se bacho.”
Q8: Can I install a system larger than my sanctioned load? ⚠️
A: NO. Under 2026 regulations, your solar system cannot exceed your sanctioned load. 5kW meter = max 5kW solar .
Roman Urdu: “Nahi! Jitna sanctioned load hai, utna hi solar laga sakte ho. 5kW meter hai to 5kW solar.”
Q9: What are the best solar brands in Pakistan? 🏷️
A: For panels: Jinko, Longi, Canadian, Trina, JA Solar. For inverters: Sungrow, Solis, Growatt, Deye, Triex. For batteries: Lithium (LiFePO4) is best .
Roman Urdu: “Ache brands lo: Jinko, Longi panels; Sungrow, Growatt inverters; Lithium batteries.”
Q10: What is the payback period for solar in 2026? ⏱️
A: Under new net billing rules, payback is 3–5 years depending on system type and consumption pattern. On-grid is fastest; hybrid takes slightly longer but offers better long-term savings .
Roman Urdu: “Naye rules mein payback 3-5 saal hai. On-grid mein jaldi, hybrid mein thoda late lekin zyada bachat.”
🏁 FINAL VERDICT – Solar Wins by a Landslide 💪☀️
| Metric | WAPDA | Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Over 10 Years | Rs. 3.5–5 Million | Rs. 0.5–1.5 Million |
| Inflation Protection | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Load-shedding Solution | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Asset Value | ❌ None | ✅ Adds to home |
| Peace of Mind | ❌ Bills keep rising | ✅ Free electricity |
Roman Urdu Final Advice:
2026 ke naye rules ke baad bhi solar WAPDA se kaheen behtar hai. Haand 3-4 saal mein system ka paisa wapas aa jata hai, aur phir 20+ saal FREE bijli! Lekin strategy badalni ho gi—ab hybrid system lo, export kam karo, aur self-consumption zyada karo.
Yaad rakhein: WAPDA ki qeematein har saal badhti hain, solar ki qeemat ek baar fixed hai. Aaj ka 5 lakh ka system kal 10 lakh ka bill bachata hai. Sochiye aur aaj hi action lein!” 🇵🇰☀️💪
