Solar Panel Output in Pakistan Weather (2026): Summer, Winter, Smog & Rain
By PSI Editorial · 6 min · Updated August 21, 2026
💡 Quick Summary & Key Takeaways
- Peak Clear Summer Day: 4.5 – 5.5 Units (kWh) per kW installed
- Winter Smog / Foggy Day: 1.2 – 2.2 Units (kWh) per kW installed
- Overcast / Rainy Day: 0.8 – 1.8 Units (kWh) per kW installed
- Annual Average Generation: ~1,500 – 1,650 kWh per kW installed per year
1. Seasonal Generation Curve Across Pakistan
Pakistan enjoys one of the best solar irradiation belts in the world, receiving between 5.0 and 6.5 kWh/m²/day of solar insolation. However, output varies distinctly across the four seasons:
- Spring (March–May): Maximum power generation. Clear blue skies, optimal sun angles, moderate ambient temps.
- Peak Summer (June–July): Long daylight hours (14 hours) offset thermal derating losses from 45°C ambient temperatures.
- Monsoon (July–August): Intermittent cloud cover causes fluctuating generation spikes.
- Winter Smog Season (Nov–January): Thick particulate smog across Punjab and KPK limits direct sunlight, requiring regular panel washing.
2. City-Wise Daily Solar Generation Averages
Average daily units generated by a 10kW solar system across Pakistani cities:
- Quetta & Balochistan: 48 – 58 kWh/day (Exceptional clear atmosphere year-round)
- Islamabad / Rawalpindi: 42 – 50 kWh/day
- Lahore / Faisalabad: 38 – 48 kWh/day (Winter smog reduces winter averages)
- Karachi / Coastal Sindh: 42 – 52 kWh/day
3. Mitigating Winter & Smog Losses
To maximize output during low-generation months:
- Wash solar panels weekly during smog season to remove oily particulate soot.
- Ensure panel tilt angle is maintained between 25° and 30° to capture lower winter sun angles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much electricity do solar panels generate during winter smog in Lahore/Punjab?
During dense smog and fog (Nov–Jan), solar generation drops by 40% to 70%, producing approximately 1.0 to 1.8 units per kW per day compared to 4.5+ units in clear weather.
Do solar panels generate power during rainy or cloudy days?
Yes, solar panels generate 15% to 30% of their rated output through diffused ambient daylight during overcast or rainy weather.
Which month gives the highest solar generation in Pakistan?
April, May, and September usually yield the highest daily generation (5.0 to 6.0 units per kW installed) due to clear skies, long daylight hours, and moderate ambient temperatures before extreme heat.