Chinese solar power becomes must-have for Pakistani newlyweds, according to a China Economic Net's report At dawn, as the first rays of sunlight touch the rooftops of Karachi, 27-year-old Raza and his wife Mairam's home quietly comes to life. Fifteen photovoltaic panels, a wedding gift from their parents installed on their roof, begin generating electricity, powering their daily routine long before the city fully wakes up.

Several major solar photovoltaic exhibitions are held in Karachi each year, making the city more receptive to solar energy than many other parts of Pakistan. A few months ago, the newlyweds' parents jointly invested approximately 800,000 Pakistani rupees to install a China-made solar power system in the couple's new home.

Now, the household relies on solar power during the day and switches to the national grid after sunset. Their monthly electricity bill has dropped from around 60,000 Pakistani rupees to just 24,000 Pakistani rupees. The installation took only three days, yet it has significantly improved their quality of life.

Pakistan's electricity crisis—characterized by frequent load-shedding and high tariffs—has made stable power a luxury for many. However, with the growing availability of affordable and efficient Chinese solar solutions, clean energy is transitioning from a distant dream to an everyday reality.

Jibran Hussain, a Pakistani doctoral graduate currently employed at an intelligent industry company in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, is a friend of the couple and has previous experience in the photovoltaic industry. "As living standards improve, families own more electrical appliances and demand a more stable power supply," Hussain said. "Solar systems not only provide clean energy but also save a significant amount on electricity costs in the long run."

"Before marriage, Raza lived in a house with only two air conditioners and limited appliances. After moving into their new home, the couple purchased a refrigerator, a washing machine, and an electric water pump. Thanks to solar power, they no longer worry about electricity bills," Hussain said.

"In Karachi today, more and more young couples are incorporating solar systems into their home planning," Hussain noted. Raza and Mairam's system is considered mid-range locally: 15 solar panels, each with a capacity of 585 watts, producing about 8 kilowatts per hour—sufficient for a small family's daily needs. Larger households often opt for systems of 10 kilowatts or more. "My own home in Karachi has a 10-kilowatt solar system," he added.

Once an out-of-reach clean technology, solar energy has become an accessible and integral part of everyday life for many Pakistanis. As Chinese-made clean energy solutions become increasingly integrated into Pakistani households, a new mindset is emerging among young people: saving money to buy solar panels before purchasing a car.

Some women are even selling treasured gold jewelry to invest in what they call a "sunshine bank" on their rooftops. Solar panels have also become must-have items, symbolizing blessings for a stable, intelligent, and sustainable future.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China