Solar for Cold Storage and Warehouses Pakistan 2026
Cold storage facilities and warehouses in Pakistan have unique solar needs: high constant electrical loads, 24/7 operation, and zero tolerance for power interruption. Solar with battery backup offers transformative economics for this sector.
The Cold Storage Problem in Pakistan
- Cold storage runs 24/7 — refrigeration compressors draw 20–200kW continuously regardless of time of day
- Load shedding causes temperature excursions — product spoilage can cost Rs 500,000–5,000,000 per incident
- Diesel generators running 6–8 hours/day of load shedding cost Rs 150,000–600,000/month in fuel
- Commercial electricity tariffs (C2) are Rs 55–80/unit — cold storage bills easily reach Rs 300,000–1,500,000/month
- Solar + battery hybrid can eliminate both grid bills and generator costs simultaneously
Recommended System Sizes — Cold Storage
| Facility Size | Typical Load | System Size | Monthly Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small cold room (100 MT) | 20–40 kW | 25kW + 50kWh battery | Rs 120,000–200,000 |
| Medium cold storage (500 MT) | 80–150 kW | 100kW + 200kWh battery | Rs 450,000–900,000 |
| Large cold chain facility | 300–600 kW | 300kW + 500kWh+ battery | Rs 1,500,000–4,000,000 |
| Industrial freezer warehouse | 500kW–1MW+ | Custom project | Rs 3M–8M+ |
Battery Sizing for 24/7 Cold Storage
Cold storage solar requires large battery banks to cover nighttime refrigeration loads. A general rule: for every 10kW of continuous refrigeration load, plan for 40–60kWh of battery capacity to cover 4–6 hours of overnight demand. This keeps product temperatures safe through the night.
| Storage Size | Night Load | Battery Needed | Battery Cost (LiFePO4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 MT cold room | 15–20 kW | 80–120 kWh | Rs 1,600,000–2,400,000 |
| 500 MT facility | 60–80 kW | 300–480 kWh | Rs 6,000,000–9,600,000 |
| 1,000 MT facility | 120–160 kW | 600–960 kWh | Rs 12,000,000–19,200,000 |
Warehouse Solar (Non-Refrigerated)
Dry warehouses have simpler solar needs — primarily lighting, ventilation fans, forklifts, and office loads. A 50–100kW on-grid system is typically sufficient:
- Warehouse lighting (LED): 20–50kW for a large facility
- Ventilation and exhaust fans: 5–20kW
- Office and security systems: 5–10kW
- Electric forklift charging: 20–50kW (if applicable)
- Total dry warehouse: 50–130kW system recommended
ROI Comparison — Cold Storage Solar
| Scenario | Monthly Cost (Before) | Monthly Cost (After) | Monthly Saving | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 MT cold storage | Rs 280,000 | Rs 30,000 | Rs 250,000 | 10–14 months |
| 500 MT facility | Rs 900,000 | Rs 80,000 | Rs 820,000 | 12–16 months |
Cold storage solar projects require careful engineering. Engage an EPC contractor with specific cold chain solar experience. The refrigeration compressor startup surge current (3–5× running current) must be accounted for in inverter sizing.
Get Cold Storage Solar Proposals
Consult AEDB-licensed EPC contractors specialising in commercial and industrial solar.
Sources & references
Tariff, net-metering, and policy details on this page draw on the following official sources. Rates change often, so confirm current figures with the relevant authority or a licensed installer before you decide.
- NEPRA — National Electric Power Regulatory Authority: electricity tariffs and the 2026 shift from net metering to net billing.
- AEDB — Alternative Energy Development Board: solar policy, installer standards, and net-metering guidance.
- Your local distribution company (DISCO) — for example LESCO, K-Electric, IESCO, MEPCO, PESCO or QESCO — for area-specific tariffs and the net-metering application process.
