The prices of solar panels have been hiked amid reports that the government is going to tax the solar panels in coming federal budget, says a survey conducted on Saturday. The price of solar panels has increased by Rs8 per watt after which a 580-watt solar plate will cost Rs4,000 to Rs5,000 while small plates of 180 to 280 watts will also cost at Rs1,000 to Rs1,500. On the other hand, the traders of solar panels started stockpiling and filling their warehouses with plates. The idea is to withhold the goods for the purpose of selling solar plates at more expensive rates after the announcement of the federal budget in a few days’ time.