Pakistan's solar boom shields some from energy shocks

Rising electricity prices in Pakistan have driven a rapid shift to rooftop solar power, where Chinese-made solar panels are doing a lot of the work. These solar panels have made it possible for many households and businesses to cut their electricity bills.

The benefits of the shift to renewable energy are especially visible today, with fuel prices rising dramatically due to the war in Iran. However, the benefits of Pakistan’s solar boom are uneven, deepening an energy divide between those who can afford solar systems and those who cannot, particularly apartment dwellers and low-income families.

At the same time, new taxes on solar panels, batteries and cuts to buyback rates are making access harder, raising concerns that current energy policies protect utilities rather than expanding affordable renewable energy access.

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.