(EB) is an independent Syrian media organization that was founded in 2011. EB offers 24-hour news coverage through its multilingual interactive websites, and it publishes a weekly newspaper that covers Syrian political, social.
Copyright © 2026 Enab Baladi. Enab Baladi is a nonprofit charitable 501(c)(3) organization, Tax ID. 46-3313735
The spread of solar panels in Suwayda city, June 10, 2026 (Enab Baladi)
Today in Suwayda (southern Syria), it has become difficult to find the rooftops of buildings or homes without solar panels on top. In recent years, rooftops have turned from neglected spaces or areas reserved for water tanks into places for generating electricity, a phenomenon that reflects the scale of need and the decline in services in the governorate.
Installing solar power systems is no longer limited to business owners or those with financial means. It has become a goal pursued by most families, as one of the few available solutions to confront the ongoing electricity rationing crisis and repeated breakdowns.
The spread of these systems began as electricity supply hours declined, pushing residents to look for alternatives that would ensure the operation of basic household appliances, including lighting, refrigerators, water pumps, and communication devices.
Over time, solar power shifted from an additional option into a daily necessity for many residents.
Reliance on remittances from expatriates also helped accelerate the spread of this phenomenon, as many families preferred to invest part of their savings in installing solar systems instead of relying on unstable electricity sources and high bills despite the lack of supply.
For some, solar panels have become a long-term investment that eases living burdens and provides a measure of stability.
The installed systems are not necessarily capable of operating all electrical appliances. Families often turn to limited systems that provide lighting and operate some basic devices, considering them better than relying on alternative lighting methods.
Amani al-Shoufi, who works in selling and installing solar power systems, told Enab Baladi that the largest segment of customers are homeowners, followed by shop owners, then farmers.
She noted that some well-off families install integrated systems that allow them to largely dispense with public electricity. These systems are very costly, reaching $3,000, while most people choose smaller systems that operate lighting, a refrigerator, or a washing machine.
According to Amani, the smallest system that can be installed costs about $200, more than 2.5 million Syrian pounds, and is enough to operate lighting, phone chargers, and some small devices. This makes it a suitable option for families that cannot bear the costs of larger systems.
In contrast, growing demand for this sector has led to the emergence of dozens of shops and companies specialized in selling, installing, and maintaining solar power systems. This has created new job opportunities for technicians, engineers, and workers in a field that had not previously been widespread on this scale, according to engineer Sayah al-Halabi.
Despite the major benefits these systems have achieved, their spread has not been without challenges.
Installation costs remain high for a wide segment of the population, making access to an integrated system difficult for low-income families.
Rasha K., who owns a home-based dairy and cheese-making project, told Enab Baladi that she is unable to buy a solar system despite her urgent need for one to operate her refrigerator and preserve her products. Her project is still in its early stages, does not generate income she can rely on, and she has no other source of income.
Engineer Sayah al-Halabi explained that the work is not without challenges, including battery maintenance and replacement, in addition to the varying quality of equipment available in the markets.
He pointed out that securing goods, batteries, and panels sometimes faces difficulties linked to disruptions on the Damascus to Suwayda road, which affects supply movement and leads to higher prices in local markets.
According to the engineer, the installation of systems began to increase after the July events. Amani al-Shoufi said demand for systems reached its peak during periods when breakdowns repeatedly affected the 66 kV line feeding the Shahba area of Suwayda, due to intermittent security tensions in the governorate. Demand continues today despite shortages of some materials in the market.
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(EB) is an independent Syrian media organization that was founded in 2011. EB offers 24-hour news coverage through its multilingual interactive websites, and it publishes a weekly newspaper that covers Syrian political, social.
Copyright © 2026 Enab Baladi. Enab Baladi is a nonprofit charitable 501(c)(3) organization, Tax ID. 46-3313735
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