The Islamic Ministry has included the installation of solar panels as a basic requirement of projects to build new mosques.
In a post on X, Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said that the rules have been changed to require solar panels to be installed when construction is completed on all new mosques with effect in 2024.
"Installing solar panels when the mosque is complete will go ahead as part of the project starting this year. [Air-conditioning] mosques will be much easier as a result of this," Shaheem said in the post.
The budget for mosque renovation and repair was increased threefold by the current administration in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's campaign pledge.
The current government allocated MVR 15 million for the renovation and maintenance of mosques.
Further information about the installation of solar panels in mosques could not be obtained as the Islamic Ministry was not responding to calls.
