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

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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

Research Fellow Amro is a research fellow with 15 years of research experience on three continents in the fields of technology and energy. His… Amro is a research fellow with 15 years of research experience on three continents in the fields of technology and energy. His interests lie in renewable energy policy, particularly technology assessment, cost trends, supply chain development of the solar industry, and how solar energy interacts and affects conventional forms of power generation. Previously, he was a research fellow at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), a registered professional engineer in Canada and a senior member of the IEEE. Amro is the author of more than 40 papers and reports and is also the inventor of several patents.

Expertise

  • Solar PV
  • Renewable energy policy and microgrids

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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