PESHAWAR, August 9, 2025 – In an in-depth and thought-provoking interview with Daily Sunrise Today’s Chief Editor, Asif Khan Turk, Zeeshan Sayed Shah, the visionary Founder & CEO of GreenWend Energy (Pvt.) Ltd. and SunSaviour (Pvt.) Ltd., voiced strong concerns over Pakistan’s unstable solar energy policy environment.
Speaking candidly, he urged the government to adopt a clear, consistent, and decades-long policy framework to enable the country’s transition to renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Solar Growth in Pakistan – A Decade of Progress
Tracing Pakistan’s solar journey, Zeeshan explained how the industry has evolved rapidly since 2018, when awareness and affordability began to improve.
By 2024, urban adoption of solar systems had surged, driven by increasing electricity prices, frequent load-shedding, and a growing public awareness of environmental sustainability.
In the last two years, rural Pakistan has also begun to embrace solar energy — a development Zeeshan called a game changer for communities long deprived of reliable electricity.
“Solar has moved from being a luxury in cities to a necessity in villages. Today, we’re seeing farmers, small shopkeepers, and rural households benefiting from it,” he shared.
Policy Instability: The Industry’s Achilles Heel
A recurring theme in Zeeshan’s remarks was policy volatility — particularly in taxation.
According to him, import duties and tax regulations change roughly every three months, making it nearly impossible for businesses to forecast costs or maintain steady supply chains.
He cited lithium batteries as a prime example, facing heavy taxation despite being critical for energy storage. Solar inverters have also seen significant duty hikes, while a recent ~10% tax on solar panels has added further strain to the industry.
“We’re operating in a market where policy changes are more frequent than seasonal weather. This not only impacts investors’ confidence but also slows down solar adoption across the country,” Zeeshan stated.
Why Pakistan’s Policy Volatility is Unique
When asked by Asif Khan Turk about the reasons behind this instability, Zeeshan explained that government turnover directly leads to policy turnover.
Every change in leadership brings in a new technical committee, often rewriting regulations from scratch. This approach, he noted, stands in stark contrast to countries where energy policies span decades, ensuring continuity for investors and manufacturers.
Local Manufacturing: A Missed Opportunity
While SunSaviour currently operates its manufacturing out of China to maintain competitive pricing and quality, Zeeshan highlighted the company’s clear ambition to produce in Pakistan.
However, he stressed that the government must support local manufacturing through:
Incentives for setting up plants.
Reliable supply of raw materials.
Streamlined export regulations for Pakistan-made solar products.
He added that boosting domestic production could create thousands of jobs while positioning Pakistan as a regional solar exporter.
The Net Metering Puzzle
Zeeshan also addressed the frequent changes in net metering rates, which have left consumers confused and hesitant.
His advice: hybrid solar systems that store surplus power in batteries, ensuring energy availability during outages and at night.
“An on-grid system is only as good as the grid’s stability. Hybrid systems give you true independence,” he said.
Affordability: A Positive Trend
Despite these policy challenges, Zeeshan remains optimistic about accessibility.
He noted that a few years ago, a 5kW solar system could cost around PKR 500,000, but today the same system can be installed for nearly PKR 300,000, making it affordable for a much broader audience.
Solar Energy: A Lifeline for Rural Communities
With the national grid infrastructure still unable to serve every corner of Pakistan, Zeeshan believes solar energy is more than just a green solution — it’s a lifeline.
“For rural Pakistan, solar means education after dark, refrigerated medicines, and powered irrigation pumps. It’s not just energy — it’s empowerment,” he emphasized.
Final Reflections – A Call for Vision
In closing, Zeeshan reaffirmed SunSaviour’s mission to expand affordable and reliable solar solutions across Pakistan.
He called upon policymakers to move beyond short-term fixes and build a visionary, stable policy framework that can guide the renewable energy sector for decades.
“We have the sunshine, the talent, and the demand. All we need now is stability — and Pakistan can become a solar leader in the region,” he concluded.
About SunSaviour (Pvt.) Ltd.
SunSaviour is a leading Pakistani solar brand, specializing in inverters, lithium-ion batteries, and solar panels designed for the unique challenges of the Pakistani grid. The company operates a nationwide network of service centers and is expanding its footprint internationally.
About GreenWend Energy (Pvt.) Ltd.
GreenWend Energy provides OEM/ODM manufacturing services for solar inverters, enabling partners in Pakistan and abroad to access advanced solar technology at competitive prices.
