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Pathways to the Large-Scale Adoption of Residential Photovoltaics in Saudi Arabia

Author

Listed:
  • Abeer Alshehri

    (Sustainable Energy Research Group, Energy and Climate Change Division, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Boldrewood Innovation Campus, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 7QF, UK)

  • Patrick James

    (Sustainable Energy Research Group, Energy and Climate Change Division, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Boldrewood Innovation Campus, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 7QF, UK)

  • AbuBakr Bahaj

    (Sustainable Energy Research Group, Energy and Climate Change Division, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Boldrewood Innovation Campus, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 7QF, UK)

Abstract

This survey of predominantly middle–high-income owner-occupier households in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) assessed household perspectives to residential photovoltaics (PVs) (n = 268). Higher-income households were statistically more likely to (i) accept financial payback times of more than 12 months for the CAPEX cost of a PV system, and (ii) be prepared to contribute up to SAR 10,000 (USD 2666) towards the CAPEX cost of a system. A multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that a high household education level and the dwelling tenure (owner) are key variables that positively influence PV acceptability. Median apartment and villa households in this survey had annual electricity demands of 22,969 kWh and 48,356 kWh, respectively. The available roof area per apartment and villa was assessed, considering parapet shading and roof furniture limitations (the presence of AC units, etc.), at 20 m 2 and 75 m 2 , respectively. This would accommodate either a 4 kWp apartment system or a 10 kWp villa system mounted horizontally. Time-of-use tariffs or grant subsidies towards the cost of a PV system will be required to enable the surveyed households to meet their stated economic conditions for purchasing a PV system. This indicates that PV policies in KSA will need to be adapted to encourage the uptake of PVs.

Suggested Citation

  • Abeer Alshehri & Patrick James & AbuBakr Bahaj, 2024. "Pathways to the Large-Scale Adoption of Residential Photovoltaics in Saudi Arabia," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:13:p:3180-:d:1424429
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Best, Rohan & Chareunsy, Andrea, 2022. "The impact of income on household solar panel uptake: Exploring diverse results using Australian data," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
    2. Abdullah Shaher & Saad Alqahtani & Ali Garada & Liana Cipcigan, 2023. "Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic in Saudi Arabia to Supply Electricity Demand in Localised Urban Areas: A Study of the City of Abha," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-24, May.
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