Does Saudi Arabia need a photovoltaic energy system?

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East with huge solar energy resources but has achieved minimal adoption of photovoltaic energy systems (PV). This study investigates the potential of PV systems to address pressing challenges, including water scarcity and agricultural unemployment.

Can PV systems reduce energy bills in Saudi Arabia?

The residents of Saudi Arabia can use PV systems in agricultural and commercial applications to reduce their energy bills. One of the main economic activities where PV systems can help in reducing energy bills is agriculture where most of the work performed is during sun hours.

Should Saudi Arabia invest in small-scale PV energy systems?

Small-scale PV energy systems of a few megawatts, distributed across the country can provide the people of Saudi Arabia with a low-risk passive income with loans at lower interest rates and reasonable rate of buyback energy from the government (Basu et al. 2022; Panapakidis, Koltsaklis, and Christoforidis 2021 ).

How can Saudi Arabia achieve higher PV penetration?

Active involvement from both the government and the people of Saudi Arabia is crucial to achieving higher PV penetration, creating job opportunities, generating passive income, and attaining food, water, and energy sustainability in the country. Data is derived from public domain resources.

Can Saudi Arabia export solar energy?

Saudi Arabia has the capability of exporting solar energy to Europe, Asia, and Africa in the future. Saudi Arabia has solar energy resources, financial capability, location, and a desire for diversification of the economy (Muhammad et al. 2019; Zubair and Bilal Awan 2021 ).

Will Saudi Arabia be able to localise the PV industry by 2023?

AlOtaibi et al. predicted in 2019 that Saudi Arabia would be able to localise the PV industry by up to 80% by 2023 based on the pilot project of 10 MW (AlOtaibi et al. 2020 ).