How Many Solar Panels Do I Need in Pakistan? — Home Calculator Guide
Step 1 — Find Your Monthly Consumption (Units)
Look at your DISCO electricity bill. Note your highest consumption month (typically June–August in Punjab/Sindh). This is the month your system should be sized for.
Small home (2–3 bed): 200–400 units/month
Medium home (3–4 bed): 400–700 units/month
Large home (5+ bed): 700–1,200 units/month
Small office/shop: 500–1,500 units/month
Step 2 — Calculate System Size (kW) Needed
Pakistan gets an average of 4.5–5.5 peak sun hours per day (varies by city). Use this formula:
Example: You use 600 units/month in Lahore (5.0 peak sun hours)
System size = 600 ÷ (5.0 × 30) = 600 ÷ 150 = 4kW (round up to 5kW)
Peak Sun Hours by City in Pakistan
| City | Avg Peak Sun Hours/Day | Monthly kWh per kW installed |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | 5.5–6.0 | 165–180 units/kW |
| Multan / Bahawalpur | 5.5–6.0 | 165–180 units/kW |
| Faisalabad / Gujranwala | 5.0–5.5 | 150–165 units/kW |
| Lahore | 4.8–5.2 | 144–156 units/kW |
| Islamabad / Rawalpindi | 4.5–5.0 | 135–150 units/kW |
| Peshawar | 4.5–5.0 | 135–150 units/kW |
| Quetta | 5.5–6.0 | 165–180 units/kW |
Step 3 — Calculate Number of Panels
Example: 5,000W system ÷ 580W panels = 8.6 → round up to 9 panels
Quick Reference — Panels Needed by Home Size
| Monthly Usage | System Size | Panels (580W) | Panels (540W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200–300 units | 3kW | 6 panels | 6–7 panels |
| 350–500 units | 4–5kW | 7–9 panels | 8–10 panels |
| 500–700 units | 5–6kW | 9–11 panels | 10–12 panels |
| 700–900 units | 7–8kW | 13–14 panels | 14–16 panels |
| 900–1,200 units | 9–10kW | 16–18 panels | 17–20 panels |
Roof Space Required
Each 580W panel measures approximately 2.3m × 1.13m (2.6 sq meters). Add 20–30% extra space for walkways and structural clearances.
- 3kW (6 panels): ~19 sq meters
- 5kW (9 panels): ~28 sq meters
- 8kW (14 panels): ~44 sq meters
- 10kW (17 panels): ~53 sq meters
Frequently Asked Questions
See our 3kW, 5kW, 8kW, and 10kW system cost guides for Pakistan 2026.
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.
