Pakistanis increasingly adopt battery storage as solar market evolves: report

Pakistanis are increasingly investing in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) alongside rooftop solar installations as changing energy policies, rising electricity costs, and concerns over power reliability drive consumers towards greater energy independence, according to a report.

According to a new analysis titled ‘From Solar Panels to Storage: Pakistan’s Battery Boom Begins’ by Renewables First, cumulative lithium-ion battery storage imports reached 7.6 gigawatt-hours (GWh) by the end of 2025, marking a 220% year-on-year increase. Nearly 60% of the total battery imports recorded so far arrived during 2025 alone.

The report attributes rapid growth to higher electricity tariffs, expanding base of rooftop solar users, declining battery prices, and reforms to the country’s net billing framework.

Senior Data Associate at Renewables First Huma Naveed said battery imports remained below 0.5 GWh annually between 2018 and 2023 before demand accelerated sharply over the past year.

The report noted that unlike many countries where battery storage is largely utility-driven, Pakistan’s market is being led by households.

Residential consumers account for 58% of all battery imports, with around one in every 26 solar-powered homes now equipped with battery storage, according to Naveed.

Program Director at Renewables First Muhammad Mustafa Amjad said Pakistan has already witnessed a consumer-led transition through rapid rooftop solar adoption, adding that battery storage is now following a similar but faster trajectory.

He stressed the need for policymakers to incorporate storage into energy planning at an early stage to ensure equitable and inclusive growth.

The report said Battery Energy Storage Systems would play a central role in Pakistan’s transition towards a more decentralised energy system. It added that global geopolitical uncertainties, volatile fuel prices, and recent changes to the net metering framework have reinforced the need to integrate consumer energy resources into national energy planning.

According to the report, greater adoption of battery storage could enhance energy security, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and improve the resilience of Pakistan’s power sector.