Your ultimate guide for home solar in 2025
What does it mean to go solar?
Going solar...
When you "go solar," you get a solar panel system installed on your property—usually on your home's roof, but sometimes on your land with with a ground-mounted system.
Why go solar?
For Pakistani homeowners, going solar is more than just an environmentally conscious choice—it’s a smart financial investment. With rising electricity costs, solar energy offers a reliable and cost-effective alternative. People in major cities like Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar significantly reduce their energy bills, enjoy uninterrupted power supply, and even earn through net metering by selling excess electricity back to the grid.
What's included in a home solar installation?
When you decide to go solar, you’re getting much more than just solar panels. A complete solar panel system includes several key components that work together to power your home efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of what’s manly included in a typical solar installation:
1. Solar Panels: Capture energy from the sun
2. Inverter(s): Converts DC energy to AC energy
3. Racking / Mounting Equipment: Temporary racking equipment and rigid over-ahead mounting structures for securely mounting the solar PV modules.
4. Monitoring Equipment: Advanced tools to track the energy production of your system, providing real-time data on performance and savings.
5. Solar Batteries (Optional): For storing energy
6. Balance of System Components: Cables, Disconnect Switches, Distribution Board, Conduits etc.
Not sure which equipment brand is right for you?
Estimating solar system size based on your energy needs
Selecting the right solar system...
Choosing the right solar system size is essential for maximizing efficiency and savings. The size of your solar system depends on your household’s energy consumption, available roof space, and budget. Here’s how you can estimate the right system size for your needs:
1. Review Your Energy Usage: Check your electricity bills to determine your average monthly or annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
2. Calculate System Output: A 1kW solar system typically generates 4–5 kWh per day under optimal conditions. Use this as a benchmark to estimate the system size needed to meet your energy demand.
3. Factor in Future Needs: If you plan to add more appliances or increase energy use, consider a slightly larger system to accommodate future growth.
Appliance-Based Usage Calculation
To calculate energy consumption from a specific appliance, such as a 1.5-ton air conditioner (rated at. 1,500 watts), follow this example:
If the AC runs for 8 hours a day, it consumes:
1,500W x 8 hours = 12,000Wh (12 kWh) daily
Over a month, this adds up to:
12 kWh x 30 days = 360 kWh per month
If you want a solar system to power this AC alone, you would need a system that generates at least 12 kWh daily, or roughly 3kW of solar capacity.
In case if there are multiple appliances, simply calculate the total energy required (kWh) by each appliance and sum them up.
Should you get a battery?
Benefits of Adding a Battery
1. Energy Independence: A battery ensures you have power during outages or at night, reducing reliance on the grid. This is especially beneficial in areas where load shedding is frequent.
2. Maximizing Solar Usage: Without a battery, any excess energy your panels produce is sent back to the grid. With a battery, this energy is stored for your personal use, maximizing the value of your solar system.
3. Emergency Backup Power: Batteries provide a reliable power source during emergencies, keeping essential appliances like refrigerators and lights up and running.
Do You Need a Battery?
When transitioning to solar energy, many homeowners wonder whether they should include a solar battery in their system or not. While solar panels generate power during the day, a battery stores excess electricity for use later, offering several advantages.
Although battery is a great addition, but it’s not meant for everyone. Here’s how to decide:
Yes, Consider a Battery If:
- You face frequent power outages.
- You want to be less reliant on the grid.
- You aim to store energy for night-time use or emergencies.
You May Not Need a Battery If:
- You have access to a reliable grid connection
- Your priority is reducing upfront costs.
- You can benefit sufficiently from net metering programs that offset your bill with excess energy exported to the grid.
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Is your home good fit for solar?
Your home doesn't have to be a perfect in order for you to benefit from solar. Many homeowners save lots of money with the right installation—but if you meet the following criteria, investing in solar will probably work for you.
1. You own the property
It's easiest to go solar if you own your home. In this case a sturdy overhead solar structure can be installed while still having the luxury of your roof. Renters should prefer dismountable structures.
2. You pay a lot for electricity
The cost of electricity continues to increase throughout Pakistan. But this doesn't mean everyone's electric bill is crazy high. The higher your monthly electric bill, the faster you'll save money with your new solar system. Wouldn't it be nice to pay nothing for electricity every month?
3. You have the right roof for solar
The ideal roof for solar is south-facing, has a slope between 30 and 45 degrees, has plenty of open space, experiences minimal shading throughout the day, and is in good condition.
Going solar in five simple steps?
1. Get multiple quotes
The best way to get a great deal on your solar system is to compare quotes based on cost, equipment and installer reputation.
SolarMart's free marketplace makes it easy for homeowners by gathering custom solar quotes from our network of pre-screened installers. On average, solar shoppers save 15-25% using SolarMart.
2. Choose an installer
Once you have multiple quotes to compare in your SolarMart dashboard, it's time to choose the best installer. SolarMart's mission is to help you choose with confidence. Our team of expert Energy Advisors can walk you through your quotes (even if you didn't get them through SolarMart) and answer all your questions so you can pick the system that meets your needs at the right price.
When you've selected an installer, you'll need to sign a contract. Thoroughly review it first for details on costs, incentives, equipment, cancellation terms, and clauses.
3. Scheduling a site visit
As a final check, you'll next need to schedule a site visit with your installer to ensure the solar panel system you're purchasing is suitable for your home. During this step, an engineer (not a salesperson) will check your roof and electrical panel to decide if they need any updates before you go solar. Site visits are often conducted in person.
4. Signing the contract
Signing contract with shortlisted installer after your home roof inspection.
5. Prepare for your installation
With all the hard work completed, you can now watch the solar system get installed on your roof.
On the day of your installation, you can expect about five to 10 employees of your installation company to be onsite. The crew will include certified electricians and installers who will be up on your roof attaching the panels. Depending on the size and scope of your installation, it will likely take about 1-2 weeks to complete.
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