The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued detailed guidelines to all Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners across the province regarding the installation of solar panels, reported 24NewsHD TV on Wednesday.
In light of the instructions issued by the Energy Department, PDMA Punjab has formally released its guidelines. According to the directive, district administrations must immediately provide Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to all relevant stakeholders, including building owners, solar vendors, and installation companies.
The Director General (DG) of PDMA, Irfan Ali Kathia, emphasized that solar systems should only be installed by experts approved by the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB). He further instructed that solar systems installed on sensitive public buildings—such as schools, hospitals, and government offices—should be inspected without delay.
The DG also directed municipal corporations and building authorities to ensure strict compliance with regulatory guidelines related to solar installations. To raise public awareness, he recommended launching campaigns through local media, mosques, community leaders, and district information officers.
Key technical instructions from DG Irfan Ali Kathia include:
· Solar panels must be installed securely, firmly, and in a sealed manner.
· Use stainless steel nuts, bolts, and spring washers to safely attach the panels.
· Cables should be tied with standard cable ties; using wire or regular rope is not allowed.
· Inverters, batteries, and meters should be installed above ground level or at elevated positions.
· Ensure roof drainage systems are not blocked, and keep rooftops clean.
· Choose solar panels with high-impact ratings to protect against hailstorms.
· Install surge protection devices on inverters and charge controllers.
The DG also warned that substandard solar panels can lead to serious accidents, and emphasized that adhering to these guidelines can help prevent both loss of life and property.
Reporter Kaleem Akhtar