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ISLAMABAD, August 2025 — Islamabad’s solar energy landscape continues to expand rapidly, as figures released by the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) show over 8,700 net metering connections were installed between January 2016 and February 2023, generating a total capacity of 106.43 megawatts (MW) across various operational circles.
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Though these figures are current only up to February 2023, experts believe the actual generation capacity now likely exceeds 100 MW in Islamabad alone, considering the continuous installation of new systems in residential and commercial areas since then.
Growing Solar Adoption in the Capital
According to IESCO Public Relations Manager Asim Nazir Raja, the utility received 9,177 net metering applications with a proposed capacity of 114.29 MW during the 2016–2023 period. Of these, 9,122 licenses were issued by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), totaling an approved capacity of 113.68 MW.
He further shared that 7,781 net metering connections had already started exporting and importing electricity, contributing 95.35 MW to the grid. These connections exported 133.5 million units of electricity to the grid while importing 167.3 million units, highlighting the growing reliance on solar in the power mix.
Net Metering Payments and Licensing Authority
Raja noted that Rs. 2.32 million had been paid to net metering customers by IESCO up until June 2022. The company is authorized to grant licenses for systems up to 25 kilowatts (kW), while NEPRA handles applications for systems exceeding that limit.
The net metering policy allows residential, commercial, and industrial consumers with at least a three-phase connection to install solar systems ranging from 1 kW to 1 MW. Any excess electricity generated can be sold back to the grid, with net adjustments calculated monthly.
NEPRA’s Role and Nationwide Expansion
Launched in 2016, the net metering program is part of a national push to boost renewable energy adoption and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. NEPRA’s licensing process ensures quality control and standardization for installations, particularly for higher-capacity systems above 25 kW.
Islamabad Leading the Solar Transition
While IESCO’s jurisdiction includes areas beyond Islamabad, the capital itself is believed to account for a major share of the installations. With strong public interest, policy support, and a favorable climate, Islamabad continues to lead the way in Pakistan’s solar transition.
Experts anticipate that solar generation capacity in the city may have already crossed 120 MW as of mid-2025, given the ongoing rise in applications and installations.
