What is IFC's rooftop solar energy facility in Gaza?

The Palestine Real Estate Investment Co’s (PRICO) rooftop solar energy facility is IFC’s first large-scale solar energy installation in Gaza and is supported by the IFC-Canada Climate Change Program.

Can solar panels help cut energy bills in Gaza?

Businesses and households in the blockaded Palestinian enclave are turning to solar panels to keep the lights on, and it’s helping cut their energy bills. Blockaded by Israel since 2007, the Gaza Strip only has electricity for 12 hours per day on average - less when the conflict escalates.

What is the future of solar energy in Palestine?

Solar energy can be a major contributor to the future Palestinian energy supply, with its high potential in the area. Palestine receives about 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and has an average solar radiation of 5.4 kWh/m. Domestic solar water heating (SWH) is widely used in Palestine where almost 70% of houses and apartments have such systems.

How can Palestine reduce its reliance on imported energy carriers?

Palestine can reduce reliance on imported energy carriers by deployment of clean energy systems, especially solar, geothermal and biomass. Palestinian areas has large alternative energy potential which can be harnessed by a futuristic energy policy, large-scale investments and strategic assistance from neighbouring countries like Jordan and Egypt.

Can solar power power a Palestinian enclave?

So, in recent years, people across the Palestinian enclave have been turning to solar energy to power their businesses and homes. Yasser al-Hajj, who owns a seaside fish farm and restaurant, installed solar panels six years ago. "Electricity is the backbone of the project.

Are solar panels still used in Gaza?

Raya al-Dadah, head of the Sustainable Energy Technology Laboratory at the University of Birmingham in the UK, says that the solar panels her family uses in Gaza are over 15 years old, so they are no longer new, but, she says, "the water in the shower is still very hot”.