Consumers facing difficulty in shifting to solar energy

LAHORE : Lahore is transforming itself into a leader in renewable energy adoption. As the city faces growing pressure from climate change, environment pollution, rising electricity costs, and energy shortages, a growing number of households and businesses are turning to solar power.

This shift represents not only a move toward environmental sustainability but also a push for climate justice and economic resilience. However, this promising transition faces tremendous challenges. While the adoption of solar energy is on the rise, securing net metering connections—essential for selling excess solar energy back to the grid—has become increasingly difficult. Once a straightforward process has now turned into a frustrating challenge for many, casting uncertainty over the future of solar power in the city. In Lahore, the solar boom is not just a trend—it is a necessity. Pakistan, like much of the world, is facing the dire consequences of climate change. The country has seen unprecedented heatwave, erratic monsoons, menace of smog, and a surge in energy demand. Meanwhile, the national grid struggles to meet the needs of a growing population, leading to frequent power outages and soaring electricity bills.

For Mansoor Ahmad, a resident of Lahore, the decision to switch to solar energy was driven by a desire for energy independence and financial relief. In February, Ahmad installed a solar system at his home and has since generated over 40,000 units of electricity. "I feel like I'm making a real difference," Ahmad says.

"Not just for myself but for the environment." However, his journey was not without complications. Ahmad recalls his frustrations in obtaining a green meter — a crucial component for net metering that allows homeowners to sell their surplus solar energy back to the grid. “The official price for a green meter is Rs30,000, but I had to pay Rs 90,000 due to an alleged artificial shortage created by Lahore Electricity Supply Company (Lesco),” Ahmad explains.

He believes this shortage is a deliberate attempt by the power utility to slow the shift toward renewable energy. The difficulty in securing bidirectional green meters has become a sticking point for many potential solar adopters in Lahore. The net metering system, which was introduced to encourage renewable energy, has come under strain as more residents look to participate.

According to Ahmad, Lesco is hesitant to support widespread solar adoption because it threatens their traditional profit model. "They don’t want us to generate our own power because that means we are buying less from them,” Ahmad says. Despite the difficulties, Ahmad remains determined. He sees solar power as not just a solution for reducing his electricity bills but as a moral responsibility in the fight against climate change.

“By using solar energy, I'm not only saving money but also contributing to a cleaner environment,” he asserts.

Ramzan Butt, Chief Engineer of Lesco’s Material Management Division, disputes the claim that there is a deliberate shortage of green meters. He insists that Lesco is fully supportive of the shift to solar energy and encourages consumers to adopt renewable energy solutions. "We promote solar energy and allow private companies to sell green meters, making them accessible to the public," Butt states.

However, the experiences of residents like Mansoor Ahmad suggest that the reality on the ground may differ from Lesco's official stance. Many believe that while the utility company may not be actively blocking solar adoption, it is at least not doing enough to facilitate it either. Despite these obstacles, the economic benefits of solar energy are undeniable. Solar panel systems allow households and businesses to drastically cut their electricity costs, providing much-needed financial relief in an economy burdened by inflation and unprecedented energy price hikes.

Bilal Khan, a solar panel dealer on Lahore’s bustling Hall Road, has seen an exponential increase in sales. “People are realising that after the initial investment, solar power pays for itself. Their utility bills drop significantly, and they’re no longer at the mercy of electricity price hikes,” Khan explains.

For many, the savings on electricity bills translate into greater economic resilience. Families are able to allocate more of their income to essential needs like education, healthcare, and small businesses. This newfound financial freedom is one of the key drivers of solar adoption in Lahore, especially for the city’s middle-class population. Beyond the economic advantages, Lahore’s shift to solar energy is also contributing to the broader goal of climate justice.

In a region where the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect marginalised communities, the move toward renewable energy offers a way to reduce environmental harm while promoting social equity. An expert Manzoor Alizai (Policy Research Institute for Equitable Development), Solar energy is seen as a way to ensure level playing field for all stakeholders. With traditional electricity sources like coal and oil becoming more expensive and unreliable, renewable energy provides an affordable alternative that can be a stable source too.

Additionally, by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, Lahore is helping to curb the emissions that contribute to global warming—an issue that affects the entire country, particularly vulnerable populations, Manzoor Alizai says. While the future of solar energy in Lahore looks promising, regulatory challenges remain a significant barrier. The demand for solar energy is there, but without smoother access to net metering and green meters, the city’s full potential for renewable energy cannot be realized.

Policymakers and utility companies must work together to streamline the process, ensuring that solar energy is accessible to all. Mansoor Ahmad’s experience reflects both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Lahore’s solar journey. Despite the bureaucratic hurdles, he remains optimistic.

“This is the future,” he says. “It’s not just about saving money—it’s about securing a better, cleaner future for our children.” As Lahore continues to lead the charge in solar adoption, the city is not only charting a course toward sustainability but also taking a stand for climate justice, economic empowerment, and environmental equity. With the right support, it has the potential to become a model for renewable energy adoption in Pakistan and beyond.