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

Acting Program Director Dr. Elshurafa is a Fellow in King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and possesses 20+…

Dr. Elshurafa is a Fellow in King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and possesses 20+ years of experience in energy and technology garnered on three continents. His research interests lie in renewable energy policy, power systems modeling, and hybrid microgrid design and optimization. He has led and executed several national modeling initiatives both at the distributed and utility scales, and he is listed among the top 2% of scientists globally as per Elsevier. Some aspects of his research have been adopted by BP in creating their seminal annual statistical review. Credited with 50+ papers and patents, Dr. Elshurafa holds a PhD in electrical engineering complemented thereafter with an MBA in finance.

Expertise

  • Power sector modeling
  • Electricity markets
  • Renewable energy policy
  • Hybrid microgrid optimization

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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