Pakistan Sasta Solar Scheme 2026: The 100,000 Solar Home Programme and How to Apply
The government’s Sasta Solar Scheme aims to bring affordable rooftop solar to 100,000 households across Pakistan in 2026. By subsidising panels and offering easy financing, the programme hopes to cut electricity bills and reduce load‑shedding. This guide explains who can benefit, what the scheme covers, and the step‑by‑step process to submit an application.
What the Sasta Solar Scheme delivers
The Ministry of Energy announced that the 2026 edition of the scheme will focus on low‑income families living in urban and semi‑urban areas. Each approved home will receive a solar PV system of up to 3 kW, complete with inverter, mounting structure and a net‑metering licence. The government subsidises up to 50 % of the total cost, while the remaining amount can be financed through low‑interest loans from participating banks.
Beyond the direct financial help, the programme includes a one‑year warranty on panels, free installation, and a training session for the household on basic maintenance. The aim is to create a replicable model that can be scaled to one million homes by 2030.
Eligibility criteria at a glance
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Income ceiling | Monthly household income below PKR 45,000 (approx. US$150) |
| Location | Registered in Punjab, Sindh, KPK or Balochistan; priority to areas with chronic load‑shedding |
| Roof condition | South‑facing roof with at least 30 m² of unobstructed space |
| Electrical connection | Active utility connection with a single‑phase supply |
Applicants must also be Pakistani citizens, have a valid National Identity Card, and not own any existing solar installation larger than 1 kW.
Step‑by‑step guide to applying
1. Register online. Visit the official portal sastasolar.pk and create an account using your CNIC number. The portal will generate a unique application ID.
2. Upload required documents. You will need a recent utility bill, proof of income (salary slip or tax certificate), and a roof‑inspection photo. The system validates the files automatically.
3. Schedule a site visit. An accredited technician will contact you within five working days to verify roof suitability and confirm the 3 kW limit. The visit is free of charge.
4. Receive approval and financing terms. If you meet the criteria, you will receive an approval letter and a financing schedule. The loan portion is typically repaid over three years with an interest rate of 6‑8 % per annum.
5. Installation and commissioning. Certified installers will arrive within two weeks of loan disbursement. After installation, the system is inspected, connected to the grid, and a net‑metering number is issued.
Funding, financing and net‑metering
The scheme is funded through a mix of federal budget allocation, World Bank concessional loans, and private‑sector participation. The 50 % subsidy is transferred directly to the installer’s bank account, while the remaining cost is covered by a low‑interest loan from participating banks such as HBL, MCB and Bank Alfalah.
Net‑metering allows households to feed excess electricity back to the grid and receive a credit on their monthly bill. Credits are settled on a monthly basis and can be carried forward for up to twelve months, providing a tangible return on the investment.
Timeline and rollout targets
| Phase | Period | Number of homes |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot (Punjab) | January – April 2026 | 20,000 |
| Expansion (Sindh & KPK) | May – September 2026 | 40,000 |
| Full rollout (Nationwide) | October – December 2026 | 40,000 |
The Ministry expects the first batch of installations to be completed by the end of March 2026, with a cumulative 100,000 homes powered by solar by 31 December 2026.
Challenges and outlook
While the scheme promises significant savings for low‑income families, logistical hurdles remain. Remote areas often lack qualified installers, and some utilities are still adapting their net‑metering software. The government has pledged to train 500 local technicians and to upgrade the metering infrastructure in parallel.
Analysts at the State Bank of Pakistan note that widespread adoption could shave up to 2 % off national electricity demand, easing pressure on the national grid and reducing the need for costly thermal generation.
“Sasta Solar is not just a subsidy; it is a catalyst for a greener, more resilient Pakistan,” said Energy Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan during the launch ceremony.
Quick answers
Who can apply?
Any Pakistani household with a monthly income below PKR 45,000, a valid CNIC, and a suitable roof can apply.
How much subsidy will I receive?
The government covers up to 50 % of the total system cost, which usually translates to PKR 30,000‑40,000 per home.
Do I need to pay anything upfront?
Only a nominal processing fee of PKR 500 is required; the rest is either subsidised or financed.
What if my roof is not south‑facing?
Applications with non‑optimal orientation are evaluated case‑by‑case; a smaller system may be approved if shading is minimal.
