LAHORE: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has proposed the introduction of safety regulations and standardized procedures for solar panel installations in the area.
In a letter addressed to the secretaries of the Energy and Local Government Departments, along with commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab, PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia underscored the urgent need for clear guidelines governing solar panel installations.
He pointed out that recent windstorms have resulted in numerous incidents, with approximately 70 percent of these linked to inadequately secured or improperly installed solar panels. Many of these installations, which were set up insufficiently, were displaced by high winds, leading to property damage and injuries.
To mitigate potential dangers, the PDMA emphasized that all solar panel installations on rooftops or open structures should adhere to strict safety standards. The authority recommended that all forthcoming installations be both certified and standardized to ensure public safety.
Furthermore, the letter called for a thorough inspection of all existing solar panels and their supporting frameworks throughout Punjab. The PDMA also proposed the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for maintenance, regular evaluations, and quality checks.
By providing regulatory guidelines to relevant authorities and stakeholders involved in solar energy projects, the PDMA believes it can significantly reduce the likelihood of future accidents and damage stemming from unsafe installations.
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