Are rooftop solar panels a good idea for Lebanon?

Rooftop solar panels are offering the promise of a more normal way of living in Lebanon amidst an unsteady electricity supply – for those who can afford it.

Does Lebanon need solar power?

Lebanon has a target to source 30% of its electricity from renewables by 2030. However, some argue that LCEC and Lebanon's government have played little role in the rollout of solar in the country.

How much solar power will Lebanon have in 2022?

Over 650 megawatts (MW) were installed in 2022 alone, says El-Khoury, bringing Lebanon's total solar capacity to 870MW, according to his figures. "Installed capacity should reach 1,000MW in June ," he says. He estimates that the installed capacity of diesel generators, meanwhile, likely amounts to 1,000-1,500MW.

How much money did a Lebanese professor invest in solar panels?

A Lebanese professor of educational sciences, Constantin decided to invest $6,500 (£5,140) of her savings in nine solar panels and a battery last September. "We are not looking for a life of luxury, we simply want dignity," she tells me.

What happened to Lebanon's electricity grid?

Lebanon's national grid has struggled to meet the population's full electricity requirements since the country's civil war began in 1975, forcing consumers to rely on expensive neighbourhood generators to fill the gaps. The civil war ended in 1990 but the grid problems continued.