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A 20kW solar system is considered a large-scale installation, typically used for medium-sized commercial setups, large residential homes, or industrial applications. The price of a 20kW solar system in Pakistan can vary depending on several factors, including the brand of the solar equipment, the type of solar panels and inverters used, installation costs, and other additional features like battery storage.

In this article, we will break down the pricing details of a 20kW solar system in Pakistan, as well as factors affecting its cost.

1. Cost of Solar Panels

Solar panels are the most significant cost component in any solar system. Typically, a 20kW solar system requires around 60 to 70 solar panels, depending on their wattage (typically 300W or 330W panels). The price of solar panels varies based on the brand, efficiency, and country of manufacture.

• Average Price of Solar Panels (300W to 330W): The cost of solar panels in Pakistan generally ranges from PKR 12,000 to PKR 18,000 per panel, depending on the brand and quality.

For a 20kW system with 300W panels:

• Total cost of solar panels: 67 panels x PKR 15,000 (average price) = PKR 1,005,000.

2. Cost of Solar Inverters

The inverter is another essential component of the solar system, responsible for converting DC electricity from the solar panels into AC electricity. In Pakistan, solar inverters can range from string inverters to hybrid inverters.

• String Inverters: For a 20kW solar system, you will typically require one or two inverters. The price of a good quality string inverter (such as from brands like Sungrow, Fronius, or Huawei) can range from PKR 200,000 to PKR 500,000 per inverter.
• Hybrid Inverters: These inverters allow integration with battery storage. They are usually more expensive, with prices ranging from PKR 250,000 to PKR 600,000 depending on the brand and features.

For a 20kW system, you might need 1 or 2 string inverters:

• Total cost of inverters: PKR 300,000 to PKR 600,000 (for 1 to 2 inverters).

3. Balance of System (BOS) Costs

The Balance of System (BOS) refers to all other components in a solar system, including wiring, mounting structures, breakers, and safety equipment. These components can also add a significant cost to the overall system.

• Cost of BOS Components: For a 20kW solar system, the BOS cost typically ranges from PKR 300,000 to PKR 500,000, depending on the quality of materials used.

4. Installation Costs

The installation of a 20kW solar system requires professional expertise to ensure that everything is set up correctly and safely. The cost of installation includes labor, mounting structure installation, wiring, and system testing.

• Installation cost: The installation cost for a 20kW solar system in Pakistan can range between PKR 150,000 to PKR 300,000, depending on the complexity of the installation, location, and the installer’s experience.

5. Additional Costs (Optional)

In some cases, customers may choose to install battery storage for off-grid or hybrid solar setups. The cost of batteries is generally extra, and it can add a significant amount to the overall cost of the system.

• Battery Storage: The price of batteries for a 20kW solar system can range from PKR 300,000 to PKR 600,000, depending on the brand and capacity.

6. Estimated Total Cost of a 20kW Solar System in Pakistan

Based on the above breakdown, the estimated cost of a 20kW solar system in Pakistan, including panels, inverters, BOS components, and installation, is as follows:

• Low-End System (Basic quality components and installation):
  • Solar Panels: PKR 900,000
  • Inverters: PKR 300,000
  • BOS Components: PKR 300,000
  • Installation: PKR 150,000
  • Total Cost: PKR 1,650,000 (approximately)
• High-End System (Premium quality components and additional features like battery storage):
  • Solar Panels: PKR 1,260,000
  • Inverters: PKR 600,000
  • BOS Components: PKR 500,000
  • Installation: PKR 300,000
  • Total Cost: PKR 2,660,000 (approximately)

7. Subsidies and Incentives

The Pakistani government offers several incentives for individuals and businesses investing in solar energy. These incentives include:

• Net Metering: Allows consumers to sell excess solar energy back to the national grid, providing a return on investment.
• Tax Incentives: Certain exemptions on customs duties for solar equipment, making it more affordable to import components.

These incentives help reduce the overall cost of installing a solar system in Pakistan, although the actual amount can vary depending on the location and scale of the system.

Conclusion

A 20kW solar system in Pakistan generally costs between PKR 1,650,000 and PKR 2,660,000, depending on the quality of components and the complexity of the installation. The upfront cost can be high, but the savings on electricity bills and long-term energy independence often make solar energy a financially sound investment.

It is crucial to choose reputable suppliers and installers, as well as quality solar components, to ensure that the system is efficient and reliable. Additionally, with government incentives like net metering, the cost of a 20kW solar system can be further reduced over time, making solar energy a viable solution for businesses, industries, and large residential properties in Pakistan.