The Punjab Department of School Education has announced plans to transition all higher and secondary schools in the province to solar energy, as per a report.
Officials have asked for updated records on schools that have already made the switch. Currently, Punjab has 861 functional higher and secondary schools, including 21 in Lahore, only four of which have been converted to solar power so far.
A formal notice has been issued, instructing school heads to submit complete details of schools planned for solar conversion by June 30, 2025.
Sources mentioned that some schools have independently installed solar systems without any government assistance. The notification also warned that principals who fail to provide the required information may face disciplinary action.
Punjab Teachers Union (PTU) General Secretary Rana Liaquat Ali said the solar initiative has been in motion for the past five years. However, due to financial constraints, some schools had to arrange solar systems on their own.
He added that in some cases, school staff contributed Rs 15,000 each to fund the purchase of solar panels.
Rana Liaquat Ali called on the government to ensure that all schools receive solar panels at no cost, stressing the importance of fair support in promoting clean energy solutions.