The Sindh government has put forward a proposal to provide free solar panels and electricity to vulnerable low-income families, who are struggling with severe inflation and high utility bills.
This new initiative involves the installation of solar panels at no cost, aiming to alleviate the burden of rising energy expenses. The provincial government took these actions following directives from Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who instructed the energy minister to conduct a feasibility study on grid stations.
The Chief Minister announced that two million households would receive a solar home system, which would include a 100-watt panel, three LED bulbs, a 35-watt DC fan, and a battery backup lasting six hours with mobile charging ports.
Free Solar Panel Scheme
Sindh Energy Minister Nasir Hussain disclosed that the cost per solar panel system would be around Rs5,500 if bought in bulk. He suggested establishing six micro-grids, each with a capacity of 75 kilowatts, to serve 100 households. These divisional-level micro-grids would supply 100 kilowatt-hours of electricity monthly. The cost for each grid connection for the solar parks is estimated at Rs30 million.
The Minister also mentioned that the provincial government plans to set up three solar parks with a combined capacity of 350 megawatts. Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed that there would soon be positive news regarding electricity as the government, with assistance from the World Bank, begins distributing 200,000 solar panels.
Additionally, the provincial government is working on launching a program to provide 100 units of free electricity and has formulated an energy policy for which they are now seeking public input.
