Calls to make solar panels mandatory in new buildings in Bahrain

Calls to make solar panels mandatory in new buildings in Bahrain

SOLAR energy panels could be made mandatory for new houses, apartments and buildings across the country.

Members of the Southern Municipal Council have proposed that construction permits be granted only to citizens and residents who come up with designs incorporating solar panels for new facilities.

They have also called for a grace period to allow existing property owners to install photo voltaic (PV) cells on the rooftops of their buildings. Councillors believe the move, if implemented, will fast-track the country’s transition to a renewable energy hub by the end of 2026.

Costs of the panels produced in Bahrain range from BD50 to BD150 each, depending on their size and shape.

Council financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Mohammed Daraj, who is spearheading the move, highlighted the Jidhafs housing area initiative, where residents voluntarily installed photo voltaic panels a few years ago.

“Solar panels are affordable and 10 times cheaper now, compared with their rates five years ago, and already the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry is allocating spaces for them on rooftops of housing units and apartments distributed to families,” Mr Daraj said, during the council meeting yesterday.

“The Jidhafs project is gathering pace and there are many people who installed panels in their homes, knowing