Over the past couple of years, Lebanon has faced an economic crisis following its currency loss of value against the dollar since October 2019. The war between the Russians and Ukraine only worsened the situation, increasing the fuel prices due to fuel shortages.
The National Grid in Lebanon has faced major challenges not being able to support the country with regular power throughout the days. Power cuts would go up to five or even six hours a day, locals report. The Lebanese people have suffered through this, and many have learnt to maneuver in the dark but it is not something that one can get used to. Many resorted to diesel driven generators which were equally expensive and not eco friendly.
Pros of Solar Panels
Solar panels have been a blessing to this particular nation. Not only do they save up to tens of thousands of dollars that would have been directed to paying electricity bills, but also they experience a sense of reliability with solar panels.In 2020, when bills soared up high, Lebanon was still up and running thanks to the solar panels. Since their widespread installation, there have been less cases of frequent power outages.
Seeing the Results
Lebanon has gone from generating zero percent of solar energy in 2010 to having 90 megawatts of solar capacity in 2020, reports say. Many green companies promoting solar energy have stepped foot and found a market in this country.
One of which is called ME Green whose executive, El Khoury, expresses much ecstasy seeing that every installation that his company does equals a victory against diesel spewing generators. He says that he is happy killing a generator – it is simply his mission.
One way or another, doing away with diesel generators and employing solar panels is promoting a greener earth by reducing the carbon emissions into the atmosphere. In reference to the COP27 held in Egypt, Lebanon is prompted to strategically have 30% of its electricity sourced from renewables by 2030. This however does not indicate that all Lebanese are able to afford the solar panels. Case studies have shown that some citizens, out of desperation, have taken out loans amounting to five thousand dollars in order to make their families regain a sense of normality.
The government should be able to mitigate this issue by first fixing the national grid system and creating measures through which solar panels will be affordable for every Lebanese in the country – both rural and urban areas.
By: Lael Muchiri