CM Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme
Are You Eligible? What to Do If You Missed It

What Is the CM Punjab Free Solar Scheme?

The CM Punjab Apna Ghar Solar Scheme (also called the "Chief Minister Punjab Free Solar Panel Scheme") was announced in 2024 as part of the Punjab government's green energy initiative. The objective was to reduce electricity bills for low-income and low-consumption households by providing a free solar installation at no cost to the beneficiary.

The scheme was administered through PITC (Punjab Information Technology Company) and DISCOs (distribution companies including FESCO, LESCO, MEPCO, GEPCO, and others). It targeted consumers who were genuinely unable to afford solar on their own — verified by their actual electricity consumption history.

Who Was Eligible?

The scheme had strict eligibility criteria. To qualify, a household had to meet all of the following:

• Electricity consumption: 0 to 200 units per month (based on the last 3–6 months of bills)
• Sanctioned load: 0 to 2kW (the contracted capacity on the DISCO meter)
• Connection type: Residential domestic consumers only — not commercial, industrial, or agricultural
• Location: Punjab province consumers serviced by any Punjab DISCO
• Ownership: Applicant must be the registered consumer (meter in their name)

What Does the Free System Include?

Registered beneficiaries receive a 1.6kW on-grid solar system. The system typically consists of:

• 4 solar panels of approximately 400W each (total: 1,600W DC)
• A 1kW–1.5kW on-grid string inverter (grid-tied, no battery)
• Basic mounting hardware and DC cabling
• Installation and commissioning by PITC-approved contractors

What a 1.6kW System Can and Cannot Do

A 1.6kW system in Pakistan's sun generates approximately 6–7 units (kWh) of electricity per day during summer, and 4–5 units during winter. This offsets about 180–200 units per month of daytime grid consumption.

Current Status of the Scheme — May 2026

Registration for the CM Punjab Free Solar Scheme closed in January 2025. The scheme received millions of applications across Punjab — far exceeding the initial quota. As of May 2026:

• No new registrations are being accepted
• Installations are ongoing for consumers who registered before the cutoff
• If you registered, you can check your status through the PITC portal using your CNIC and registration number
• If you did not register before January 2025, you are not in the queue for this scheme

The Punjab government has not announced a second phase or reopening of registration as of this writing.

You Missed It — or You Use More Than 200 Units. What Now?

If you were not eligible (because you use more than 200 units per month) or you missed the registration window, a government-subsidised free system was never going to be the right answer for your home anyway.

Here is why: if your household uses 300, 400, or 600+ units per month, a 1.6kW system would offset only a fraction of your consumption. Your WAPDA bill would still be high, and you would have no backup during the 8–12 hours of load shedding Faisalabad typically sees in summer.

The Right Alternative: A Properly Sized Private Solar System

A privately installed hybrid solar system with battery backup is the investment that actually solves the problem:

• 6kW hybrid system (6 panels, 1 battery) — Rs. 796,900 — suitable for 1 AC home, 150–300 units/month
• 8kW hybrid system (12 panels, 1 battery) — Rs. 1,032,925 — suitable for 2 AC home, 300–500 units/month
• 10kW hybrid system (18 panels, 1 battery) — Rs. 1,364,025 — suitable for 3 AC home, 500–800 units/month
• 15kW hybrid system (24 panels, 1 battery) — Rs. 2,420,350 — large home or villa

These systems pay for themselves in 3–5 years through electricity bill savings, and with a 30-year panel warranty and 10-year battery warranty, the long-term return is significant. Unlike an on-grid government system, a hybrid system with battery backup continues to work during load shedding — it also runs your ACs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still register for the CM Punjab free solar scheme in 2026?

No. Registration closed in January 2025. There is no active re-registration window. If you did not register before the cutoff, you are not eligible for this scheme cycle.

I registered before January 2025 — when will my system be installed?

The installation timeline depends on your DISCO and district. PITC and the respective DISCOs are handling installations in batches. Check your registration status on the PITC portal using your CNIC. If there is no update, contact your local DISCO (FESCO for Faisalabad consumers) directly.

Is the 1.6kW system useful if I do qualify?

Yes — if you genuinely use less than 200 units per month and your main concern is daytime electricity offset, the free 1.6kW system is a reasonable benefit. It will reduce your WAPDA bill by approximately Rs. 3,000–5,000 per month at current tariffs. However, it does not solve the load-shedding problem and cannot run air conditioners.

Will there be a Phase 2 of the CM Punjab solar scheme?

There has been no official announcement of a Phase 2 as of May 2026. Follow PITC's official channels for any future announcements. Do not pay any agent or middleman who claims to get you "registered" — the scheme is entirely free and officially closed.

I use 400 units/month. Is there any government solar subsidy for me?

Not through this scheme. The only current government support for higher-consumption consumers is the ability to apply for net metering through NEPRA (for on-grid surplus export). However, net metering registration for new connections has been effectively paused in Faisalabad. For most households using 300+ units/month, a privately financed hybrid solar system is the practical path — and with falling prices, the return on investment is now better than it has ever been.

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