How Many Units Does a 3kW Solar System Produce Per Day in Pakistan?
A 3kW solar system is one of Pakistan’s most popular sizes for small and medium homes. But how many units (kWh) does it actually generate per day? This guide gives you city-by-city figures, seasonal variation, and what factors affect your daily output.
3kW Solar System — Daily Output in Pakistan
| City | Summer (May–Jul) | Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Winter (Dec–Feb) | Annual Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lahore | 14–17 units/day | 12–15 units/day | 8–10 units/day | 11–13 units/day |
| Karachi | 15–18 units/day | 13–16 units/day | 11–13 units/day | 13–15 units/day |
| Islamabad | 13–16 units/day | 11–14 units/day | 7–9 units/day | 10–12 units/day |
| Faisalabad | 14–17 units/day | 12–15 units/day | 8–10 units/day | 11–13 units/day |
| Peshawar | 13–16 units/day | 11–14 units/day | 8–10 units/day | 10–12 units/day |
| Quetta | 15–18 units/day | 13–16 units/day | 9–11 units/day | 12–14 units/day |
| Multan | 15–18 units/day | 13–15 units/day | 9–11 units/day | 12–14 units/day |
How Is Daily Output Calculated?
Daily output = System size × Peak Sun Hours × System Efficiency. For a 3kW system in Lahore: 3kW × 5.0 hours × 0.80 efficiency = 12 units/day. Peak sun hours vary by city (4.5–6.0), and system efficiency accounts for losses from inverter, wiring, dust, and temperature.
Monthly Output — 3kW System
| Month | Peak Sun Hours (Lahore) | Monthly Output (3kW) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4.0–4.5 hrs | 240–270 units |
| February | 4.5–5.0 hrs | 270–300 units |
| March | 5.5–6.0 hrs | 330–360 units |
| April | 6.0–6.5 hrs | 360–390 units |
| May | 6.0–6.5 hrs | 360–390 units |
| June | 5.5–6.0 hrs | 330–360 units |
| July (monsoon) | 4.5–5.0 hrs | 270–300 units |
| August (monsoon) | 4.5–5.0 hrs | 270–300 units |
| September | 5.5–6.0 hrs | 330–360 units |
| October | 5.0–5.5 hrs | 300–330 units |
| November | 4.5–5.0 hrs | 270–300 units |
| December | 3.5–4.0 hrs | 210–240 units |
What Can a 3kW System Power?
- Summer day (14 units available): 1 × 1.5-ton inverter AC (8 hrs) + fans + lights + refrigerator + TV
- Winter day (9 units available): Full lighting, fans, TV, refrigerator — no AC needed
- Annual generation: 3,600–4,500 units/year depending on city
- Bill saving: Rs 180,000–270,000/year at Rs 50–60/unit residential tariff
Factors That Reduce Output
| Factor | Typical Impact |
|---|---|
| Dust accumulation (2 weeks) | −5 to −10% |
| Panel temperature (50°C summer) | −10 to −15% |
| Shading (partial) | −15 to −40% |
| Inverter efficiency losses | −2 to −5% |
| Wiring losses | −1 to −3% |
| Panel degradation (Year 1) | −2% |
Clean your panels every 10–14 days in dusty areas (Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan). Dust alone reduces output by 10–15%. A Rs 500 panel cleaning every two weeks protects thousands in annual generation.
Calculate Your 3kW System Savings
Use our free calculator to see how much a 3kW system saves on your specific bill.
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.
