Lebanon simplifies rules for small solar installations
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Lebanon’s ministries of Interior, Public Works, and Energy issued new guidelines for installing solar photovoltaic systems up to 1.5 MW in capacity.
The government created these interim rules to streamline permitting for distributed solar power while also improving safety standards. Previously, installations needed approval from the Ministry of Energy and Water, but now projects below 1.5 MW can bypass that step. Instead, municipalities will verify that solar installations meet administrative, planning, structural, and safety requirements.
Engineers specializing in structural and electrical systems must approve projects and oversee their installation, then confirm compliance with safety standards when finished. These approvals remain valid for one year to allow time for completion. The new provisions aim to establish a clear permitting process and assign specific responsibilities to engineers working on solar projects.
Lebanon’s total solar power capacity grew to 1,505 MW by the end of 2025, increasing from 1,081 MW the previous year, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The government expects to replace these interim rules with final regulations as soon as the country’s regulatory body finalizes them.
