The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a high-priority directive to several departments across the province, calling for the urgent development and enforcement of comprehensive safety regulations for solar panel installations.
In an official communication addressed to the Energy Department, Local Government Department, and all Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners, the PDMA raised alarm over a surge in windstorm-related incidents, attributing approximately 70% of the reported accidents to improperly installed solar panels and associated structures.
The authority revealed that numerous installations had been carried out in a non-standard and unsafe manner, leading to panels being torn off rooftops or poles during recent storms. These dislodged panels have caused significant property damage and, in some cases, injuries—highlighting a critical lapse in regulatory oversight and construction practices.
To address these concerns, the PDMA has ordered a comprehensive province-wide audit of existing solar panel installations to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with new safety standards. The authority emphasized that rooftop and exposed solar units must now follow strict installation guidelines to withstand adverse weather conditions.
As part of the directive, the PDMA has called for the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering the repair, maintenance, testing, and routine inspection of solar panel setups.
Relevant departments have also been tasked with issuing regulatory frameworks and public advisories for all stakeholders involved in solar energy—ranging from businesses and institutions to private homeowners.
The move signals a proactive step by Punjab authorities to balance the province’s renewable energy push with public safety concerns, especially in light of increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
