Thaver said that imported solar panels are costly, despite tax and duties exemption and it would be better to manufacture solar panels in Pakistan.
The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (Unisame) has urged the government to initiate measures for the manufacturing of solar panels in Pakistan and facilitate big competent private sector parties to set up plants in collaboration with the Chinese counterparts, a statement said on Saturday.
Unisame president Zulfikar Thaver said that one of the senior council members said that Pakistan is manufacturing cell phones in collaboration with Chinese and other companies. Similarly, the country should also take the initiative to manufacture solar panel locally.
Thaver said that imported solar panel are costly, despite tax and duties exemption and it would be better to manufacture solar panel in Pakistan.
He said the manufacturing of the solar panels locally will make it affordable for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to install these systems in their homes and factories.
The government should make it mandatory for the new housing schemes and factories to install solar systems, as the electricity is short and cannot accommodate all the consumers, he said, adding that the State Bank of Pakistan’s finance scheme for solar and alternative energy system needs to be revised to make it accessible for the SMEs at more affordable rates.
Originally published at Bol news