Pakistan's rooftop solar boom shines spotlight on power crisis

ISLAMABAD -- Srinagar Highway offers a sun-drenched, 25-kilometer straight shot from Islamabad's international airport to the center of Pakistan's capital. It also affords a clear view of how increasing numbers of citizens are reacting to frequent power cuts and bloated electricity bills: Rooftops on buildings lining the route are covered in solar panels.

Atesham ud Din is among the homeowners who made the switch, investing $9,000 in a solar panel system two years ago to take advantage of one of Pakistan's most plentiful natural resources. "Now we never face the problem of power cuts, and our power bill is almost nil," the 34-year-old development professional told Nikkei Asia.