Pakistan has established its first dedicated testing facility for photovoltaic modules, marking a major step toward building a stronger ecosystem for renewable energy technologies. Supported by the Korean government through the Korea International Cooperation Agency, the PAK KOREA Testing Laboratory for PV Modules and Allied Equipment has been developed under a partnership between the Ministry of Science and Technology and KOICA. The laboratory is positioned to help the country meet international standards for solar technology, enhance industrial capability, and support quality assurance across the growing solar sector. The project has been funded with a nine point five million dollar grant from KOICA along with additional support of Rs185.8 million through the Public Sector Development Programme, reflecting a combined effort to strengthen Pakistan’s preparedness for wider adoption of solar energy solutions.
The new facility will begin operating after securing accreditation under ISO 17025, including IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 standards that govern global testing and certification for PV modules. The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority, an allied institution under the Ministry of Science and Technology, has already started the process of listing solar panels among mandatory regulated items. Once the lab is fully accredited, PSQCA will conduct random testing of samples from each imported consignment, ensuring that products entering the local market adhere to international safety and performance requirements. KOICA has played a central role in constructing the laboratory, installing equipment, commissioning testing systems, and training technical staff through a nine month capacity building programme. These measures are designed to support seamless operation of the facility and foster a skilled workforce capable of managing advanced solar testing infrastructure.
Officials have stated that PSQCA aims for the laboratory to achieve Certification Body Testing Laboratory status, which would allow it to issue IEC compliance certificates. Such recognition would benefit domestic manufacturers by enabling them to export locally produced PV panels to regions such as Europe and Central Asia that require internationally certified products. The inauguration ceremony, attended by KOICA President Chang Won Sam and Republic of Korea Ambassador Park Jae Lark, underscored the significance of the initiative. Mr Sam noted that Pakistan’s climate offers abundant potential for solar energy expansion and reaffirmed Korea’s support for helping Pakistan develop the capacity to test and certify PV modules according to global benchmarks. He added that improving technical standards strengthens long term sustainability in the renewable sector.
Representatives from KOICA highlighted that cooperation between Korea and Pakistan has grown steadily since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1983 and continues to expand across development and technology focused sectors. Dr Jaesang Park, project manager at KOICA, expressed confidence that the new facility will contribute significantly to the advancement of Pakistan’s solar industry by encouraging quality assurance, improving industrial competitiveness, and supporting the adoption of clean energy technologies. The lab is expected to become an important national asset for streamlining testing practices, supporting compliance for imported panels, and strengthening the capabilities of the domestic solar supply chain.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
