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

Abeer Alshehri, Patrick James () and AbuBakr Bahaj
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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

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-19

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.

Keywords: solar photovoltaics in buildings; household energy surveys; energy in the KSA; energy policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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