Importers hastily raise prices of solar power systems

Shopkeepers have raised the prices of solar panels, even though the government’s decision to impose an 18 per cent sales tax on solar panel imports will take effect on July 1, pending the formal approval of the budget before the end of the year. Traders at Regal Chowk in the Saddar area blamed importers for raising prices. They said many consumers appeared upset over the sudden price shock after the budgetary measure, while some customers made the purchases amid uncertainty in prices. They said many families who came to buy solar panels left after learning about an abrupt price jump. One of the traders has quoted the price of a 5kW set (including inverter, water-based battery, iron frames, electric wiring and installation charges) at Rs600,000-700,000 followed by Rs400,000-500,000 for 3kW and Rs700,000-800,000 for 6kW system.