Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) introduced new solar regulations requiring consumers installing systems above 14 kilowatts to purchase and install personal transformers.
The supply company stated that systems up to 14 kilowatts may continue under existing procedures, without additional transformer requirements or new obligations.
Consumers installing larger systems must comply with mandatory transformer installation, otherwise net metering approval will not be granted under the updated framework.
LESCO confirmed that each consumer will sign a five‑year agreement allowing electricity generation and grid integration during the specified contractual period.
Applications must be submitted digitally through authorized companies, ensuring transparency and convenience, with approvals processed exclusively via the online system.
Following application approval, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority will issue generation licences, enabling consumers to legally produce electricity for grid supply.
In the final stage, LESCO will connect approved solar systems to the national grid, completing integration under the new regulatory process.
Officials said that the policy simplifies licensing for high‑capacity producers while strengthening technical monitoring of solar systems connected to the distribution network.
Customs Revises Solar Panel Valuation
Earlier, the Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi announced higher customs values for imported solar panels, effective immediately ahead of the federal budget 2026‑27.
Valuation Ruling 2077 of 2026, issued Tuesday, confirmed the revision after authorities observed rising international market prices compared with the last ruling released in 2025.
Officials stated they analyzed import data, declared values, assessed values, and prevailing international prices before re‑determining customs values under Section 25A of the Customs Act, 1969.
The directorate held meetings with stakeholders, reviewed documentary evidence submitted by importers, and examined pricing and market trends during the valuation process before finalizing decisions.
Authorities considered different valuation methods under Section 25 of the Customs Act but ultimately relied on the similar goods value method after limitations emerged.
The revised values apply to Tier I solar panel manufacturers listed in Bloomberg NEF’s Global PV Market Outlook, including Jinko Solar, LONGI, Trina, JA Solar.
Other recognized Tier I manufacturers not specifically listed may qualify if importers provide sufficient documentary evidence proving the panels belong to globally acknowledged Tier I producers.
Solar panels imported in semi‑knocked‑down condition will be assessed at values 12.5 percent lower than specified customs values under the newly introduced framework.
