Lebanon's electricity sector has long been struggling. For decades, the country has been unable to supply its citizens with round the clock electricity, despite repeated promises from successive governments. Before the financial crisis of 2019, when Lebanon depleted its foreign currency reserves – particularly US dollar reserves – Beirut had 21 hours of state-provided electricity per day. The three remaining hours were covered by private, diesel-powered generators, for which users are billed separately.

Since the crisis of 2019, the Lebanese state has provided less electricity, offering as little as two hours per day during the worst periods of 2020 and 2021. The related increase in the use of diesel generators has led to an increase in pollution, with Lebanon's major cities often covered with a visible layer of smog. With oil prices on the rise and Lebanon struggling to attract foreign investment, the country's oil reserves are dwindling. This has led EDL, the state electricity provider, to limit consumption, affecting the amount of electricity distributed nationwide. Some residents have even canceled their subscriptions to the unstable and expensive state electricity service. This untenable situation is leading many Lebanese to consider solar power as a viable alternative.

Solar panels consist of a layer of silicon cells, a metal frame, a glass casing, and specialized wiring. When exposed to light, electrons in the silicon cells are activated, creating an electric current. This current is converted into alternating current, either stored in batteries for later use or directly channeled to power the home. Depending on quality, these batteries can last between five and 15 years.

One solar panel, typically measuring around two square meters in surface area, generates approximately 500 Watts of electricity per day. Pierre El Khoury is the head of the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation and is tasked with promoting eco-friendly power solutions nationwide. Speaking to Tamooda, El Khoury explained that: “The cost fluctuates based on the quality of batteries and panels. To generate 1 Kilowatt (or 1000 Watts) of electricity, the investment ranges from $1,500 to $1,700, including the battery." An average family of four consumes around 10 Kilowatts per day, requiring some 20 solar panels to become fully energy-independent.

“In 2010, Lebanon had zero solar panel installations. Now, in 2023, we have more than 150,000 projects and officially generate over 1000 megawatts per month,” El Khoury continued. Across Lebanon – on residential rooftops, above supermarket parking lots, and even on the walls of hospitals – solar panels are becoming a common sight.

However, most of these projects are privately funded. Some municipalities, backed by private firms and funded through international grants, are championing the adoption of solar power. ME Green is one such company and are currently pushing for a project that aims to power 100 municipalities solely with solar energy.

Disillusioned with the state's inability to provide reliable energy, citizens are taking matters into their own hands. In Bchaaleh, the first village in Northeast Lebanon to fully adopt solar power, residents are enthusiastic. Initial funding was provided by affluent families in the community, with international grants expected to follow. Some Bchaaleh residents spoke to Tamooda about their progress. “We've installed 530 panels across 3000 square meters, generating about 300 Kilowatts per day,” says Philippe, the project manager. “We haven't needed to use the generator once in the past three weeks.” Salim, a local shop owner, said he has seen his energy bill drop by around 30%.

Solar panels are not only enabling some Lebanese to secure a stable energy supply for themselves; they are boosting the nations total electricity supply. According to Pierre El Khoury, “Considering the solar installations in individual households, we could theoretically have 24/7 power throughout the country if all our power plants were fully operational.”

But herein lies a problem. Lebanon's key power plants, most of which run on oil, are either in disrepair or not properly maintained properly. Furthermore, the two political parties have been largely in control of the Ministry Energy stand accused of corruption. Opposition MP Antoine Habchi told Tamooda that “documents reveal mismanagement and squandering of public funds within the Ministry of Energy, implicating various ministers since 2008.” Corruption is systemic in Lebanon, affecting all economic sectors, including energy. There are also concerns about the improper disposal of solar panels, which can also be hazardous.

In most Lebanese cities, only hospitals, banks, and a few affluent households have invested in solar power. The government's capacity for investment remains limited. The Central Bank of Lebanon’s National Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Action Program (NEEREA), launched in 2010, ran out of funds after subsidizing around 200 projects. This has led to a trend Lebanese people of all economic backgrounds investing in solar power with whatever resources they have.

Lebanon's solar power boom has certainly been taken up by many seeking to meet their daily energy needs. However, the rise in demand has led to some unscrupulous business practices, such as demands for phony solar lisences from the Ministry of Energy. For the solar sector to thrive responsibly, it must be professionalized, and a specific long-term waste management plan must be implemented. There is a long way to go.