Solar Revolution Transforms Rooftop Life, Reshapes Family Traditions
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Multan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Sep, 2026) For generations, rooftops held a special place in family life, especially in Multan, where the scorching summer heat led families to gather upstairs at dusk to enjoy the cool breeze, share stories under the fading light, and often, sleep beneath the vast, starlit sky.
But this cherished summer tradition is evolving as solar revolution takes hold. Gleaming rows of solar panels are increasingly dotting residential buildings, turning once open family spaces into power generators. What was once a communal gathering area is now a source of electricity for many households.
In several neighborhoods, large portions of rooftops are now covered with solar panels, mounting structures, and associated equipment. The primary driver for this shift is the rising cost of electricity and the desire to produce one's own power.
However, this growing adoption of solar energy is also redefining how residents perceive and utilize their rooftops.
"People used to see the rooftop mainly as an open family space. Now they also see it as an opportunity to generate electricity," said solar installer Muhammad Asif.
Homeowners are carefully planning the placement of solar panels to maximize available space while leaving some room for traditional family activities.
For families who once slept on rooftops during the hot summer nights, this change is particularly noticeable. With solar systems powering air conditioners and other appliances during the day, some residents are using their rooftops less at night.
Antique Chaudhary, a government employee, noted that his family has reduced or eliminated rooftop sleeping because much of the available space is now occupied by solar panels.
"During the day, the use of air conditioning helps keep rooms relatively cool, reducing the need to move upstairs after sunset," he said.
Older residents, who remember the past, observe these changes with a mix of nostalgia and practicality.
"During hot summer nights, families used to carry charpoys and bedding upstairs after sunset. Children played around while elders sat and talked late into the night," said Rana Arif, a worker with a local NGO.
He emphasized that spending time on the rooftop was once a key part of summer life for many households.
"Today, the same rooftops often look very different," he added.
Solar panels, metal mounting structures, wiring, and other equipment have become permanent fixtures in many homes. Some residents are mindful of using areas close to the panels for sleeping or recreation.