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This answer provides pictures and drawing of implementation of both PAPI and VASI. In all pictures I found, I cannot figure if there is a rule to put those lights on the right, on the left, or on both sides.
Is there some rules to decide if the path indicator lights should be placed on the right or on the left side of the runway?
Path/slope visual indicators are usually located on the left side of the runway (as seen when approaching), but may be on the right side when impractical. Good reasons for moving the aid on the right side:
Installing them on both sides is beyond ICAO recommendations and FAA orders, but can be done:
Some countries don't implement ICAO rules the same way, for instance in the UK, PAPI for governmental airports "may be provided on both sides of the runway" (source)
For airports providing a visual guidance for STOL operations. The PAPI associated with the steeper approach path may be located on the right side of the runway (source).
PAPI at the usual location, on the left side of the runway (source).
From Wikipedia:
The international standard for PAPI is published by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Aerodromes, Annex 14 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, Volume 1, Chapter 5. National regulations generally adopt the standards and recommended practices published by ICAO.
From FAA JO 6850.2B - Visual Guidance Lighting Systems:
The basic PAPI configuration is described in chapter 1, section 2, paragraph 16, and is shown in figure 5-1. All lamphousing assemblies (LHA's) should be located on the left side of the runway, as viewed from the approach direction. However, where terrain, cross runways, or taxiways make this arrangement impractical, the light units may be located on the right side of the runway.
[...]
The VISUAL APPROACH SLOPE INDICATOR (VASI) system is no longer installed by the FAA as a new facility. Specific details and installation criteria have been moved to Appendix E to provide technical support for existing VASI equipment and facilities.
[...]
The basic VASI configurations are described in appendix D, section 1, paragraph 1 and shown in figures 1, 2, 4, and 5. All boxes (or light units) of the two-box; four-box, and six-box configurations are located on the left side of the runway (as viewed from the approach direction). However, where terrain or cross runways, etc., make this impractical, they may be located on the right side of the runway.
Washington Dulles Int'l Airport offer several location variations, chosen for practical reasons. There is a PAPI on the left side for runway 1C and on the right side for 19C, but a reverse scheme is used for 1R/19L, and 1L/19R is just standard:
In general, the PAPI is located on the left side of the runway. However, depending upon the runway / taxiway configuration, the PAPI can be located on the right.
According to the Aerodrome Design and Operations based on ICAO Annex 14 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the international standard for PAPI (and other runway lighting systems),
The PAPI system shall consist of a wing bar of 4 sharp transition multi-lamp (or paired single lamp) units equally spaced. The system shall be located on the left side of the runway unless it is physically impracticable to do so.
Most of the regulatory bodies follow the ICAO recommendations. As for PAPI on both sides of the runway, maybe they are there for improved visibility/redundancy.
