LAHORE – Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has suggested formulation of rules and guidelines for the installation of solar panels.
In a letter issued to the Energy and Local Government Department secretaries, commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province, PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has suggested issuance of guidelines for the installation of solar panels.
He said that 70 per cent of the accidents that occurred due to windstorms in the past few days were caused by solar panels or their associated installations. Panels installed in a substandard manner fell and caused accidents. Solar panels installed on roofs or in open structures should be installed with safety measures.
In the future, the installation of solar panels should be standardized and certified. A detailed review of the panels and structures installed across the province should be conducted and instructions should be issued. SOPs should be made for repairs and testing and inspection of the panels should be ensured. Regulatory guidelines should be issued to all relevant institutions and individuals so that such losses can be avoided in the future.
