In the arid Chakwal region of north-central Pakistan, Bestway Cement is transforming barren land and orchards into a sprawling solar farm. The company plans to add 6.34 megawatts of solar power by the end of the year, bringing its total solar generation capacity to 32.34 megawatts. This energy will help power its massive cement plant, which produces over 3 million tonnes of cement annually. Already, more than a quarter of the plant’s electricity comes from solar panels. "It's the only way we can compete," says Abdul Waheed, the general manager at Bestway’s Chakwal plant. "Our rivals have already gone in this direction." The shift to solar energy is not unique to Bestway. Across the globe, businesses and households are installing solar panels on rooftops, in backyards, and on unused land, aided by the availability of inexpensive components from China. By the end of 2025, the total global capacity for solar power reached nearly 1.2 terawatts, according to the Energy Institute's Statistical Review of World Energy. While solar power depends on sunlight and thus can only reach a fraction of its theoretical maximum, this capacity is roughly three times the output of the world’s nuclear power plants combined. The rise of affordable solar technology has brought significant changes to energy systems, particularly in developing countries. Many people in poorer regions now have more reliable access to electricity, often through small-scale solar installations rather than through large, centralized power grids. This shift has also helped consumers around the world reduce their energy bills and reliance on traditional power sources, especially at a time when rising living costs are a major concern. These costs have been exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, such as those in Iran and Ukraine, which have disrupted global energy markets. However, this rapid expansion of solar power also presents challenges. The world’s existing power infrastructure was not designed to handle widespread, decentralized energy generation. This shift could affect how energy is priced, how investments are made, and even the reliability of energy supplies. As more people and businesses generate their own power, the balance of control and regulation in energy systems may shift, requiring new approaches to ensure stability and security in the global energy landscape.