Islamabad solar power has crossed the 100 megawatt mark, according to data released by Islamabad Electric Supply Company.
From January 2016 to February 2023, IESCO installed 8,702 net metering connections with a combined capacity of 106.43 MW.
Officials say capacity has grown since, keeping the capital’s share above the 100 MW line even after excluding adjoining districts.
Islamabad solar power: net-metering boom, payouts, and rising capacity
Manager Public Relations Asim Nazir Raja told APP that IESCO has processed 9,177 net metering applications, representing 114.29 MW.
While NEPRA has issued licences for 9,122 connections totalling 113.68 MW.
Of these, 7,781 systems mainly rooftop arrays are already exporting power, sending 133.5 million units to the grid and drawing 167.3 million units since billing began.
Under Pakistan’s 2016 net metering rules, consumers with three phase meters can install arrays from 1 kW to 1 MW and sell surplus energy to their distribution company.
IESCO can authorise systems up to 25 kW; larger installations require NEPRA approval.
Cumulative payments to solar owners reached Rs 2.33 million by June 2022.
Officials expect that figure to rise sharply as more households and small businesses offset bills.
Solar uptake is driven by year round sunshine, falling panel costs, and frequent grid shortages.
Engineers note that distributed generation also eases peak load stress on IESCO’s network.
With new applications arriving monthly, the utility is revising targets and digitising approvals to handle demand.
Energy analysts say Islamabad’s experience could guide other cities aiming for higher rooftop penetration.
The challenge now is to streamline licensing, safeguard voltage stability, and ensure that surplus power from the growing Islamabad solar power fleet is absorbed efficiently across the distribution network.
Read more: Malir union football stadium inaugurated to boost sports in Karachi
