Techno-Economics of Solar PV on Mosque Rooftops: Results from a Pilot Study in Saudi Arabia

  • Focus Area Electricity Sector Transitions Electricity Sector Transitions
  • Type Discussion paper
  • Date 28 August 2019
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Abstract

There are an estimated 3.5 million mosques worldwide. The relatively large surface area of most mosque rooftops and their ubiquity in the Muslim world make them excellent candidates for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. Muslims congregate for prayers at mosques five times a day: at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. Because these times are governed by the sun, they change chronographically within the year, according to the season, but are perpetual. As such, mosque electricity load profiles are highly predictable across each year and experience limited annual variation. 

Authors

Amro Elshurafa

Amro Elshurafa

Executive Director Dr. Elshurafa is the Executive Director of the Utilities and Renewables Department and possesses 20+ years of experience garnered on…

Dr. Elshurafa is the Executive Director of the Utilities and Renewables Department and possesses 20+ years of experience garnered on three continents. His research interests lie in renewable energy policy, electricity market design and regulation, and power systems modeling. He has led and executed several national modeling initiatives at distributed and utility scales. Some aspects of his research have been adopted by BP in their seminal annual Statistical Review. He is listed among the top 2% scientists globally as per Stanford, and he is a board member of the Saudi Water and Electricity Regulatory Authority. Credited with 50+ papers and patents, he holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and an MBA in Finance.

Expertise

  • Renewable Energy Policy
  • Electricity Market Design and Regulation
  • Power Sector Modeling

Publications See all Amro Elshurafa’s publications

Abdullah Alsubaie

Abdullah Alsubaie

Professor at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) Abdullah is a research assistant professor at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).  He holds a Ph.D. in…

Abdullah is a research assistant professor at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).  He holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of British Columbia. 

Ayman Alabduljabbar

Ayman Alabduljabbar

Research associate professor at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). Ayman Alabduljabbar is a research associate professor at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).  He holds a Ph.D.…

Ayman Alabduljabbar is a research associate professor at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).  He holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Manchester, England.

Shafi Al-Hsaien

Shafi Al-Hsaien

Manager of the Distribution Excellence Center and Acting Manager of Research and Development at the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) Shafi is the Manager of the Distribution Excellence Center and Acting Manager of Research and Development at the Saudi Electricity…

Shafi is the Manager of the Distribution Excellence Center and Acting Manager of Research and Development at the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC). He has led several research projects and published a number of papers in international venues. He holds a B.Sc. in electrical engineering from King Fahad University and an M.Sc. from King Saud University.

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