Does Saudi Arabia need a photovoltaic energy system?

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East with huge solar energy resources but has achieved minimal adoption of photovoltaic energy systems (PV). This study investigates the potential of PV systems to address pressing challenges, including water scarcity and agricultural unemployment.

Are solar energy systems economically feasible in Saudi Arabia?

These methods are economically feasible. By employing PV energy systems in these methods of agriculture Saudi Arabia can achieve sustainability in food, water, and energy. These modern agricultural methods will create jobs for locals in rural and urban areas.

Does Saudi Arabia have a net energy metering system?

The Saudi government has initiated a pilot project for a net-energy metering system, but the rate of energy purchase is kept at 7 Halala per kWh (1.86 cents USD/kWh) (Electricity & Cogeneration Regulatory Authority 2019 ). These lower energy rates do not offer the residents any incentives for installing PV energy systems on their premises.

How can Saudi Arabia's agriculture be retrained?

The workforce of Saudi Arabia’s agriculture can be retrained by employing a modern agriculture system using PV energy as the main source of energy to achieve sustainability.

What is a 10 MW PV plant in Khafji city?

First is a 10 MW PV plant that has been built in Khafji city as a part of the national initiative of water desalination using solar energy. Although this project is small, it gave the authors who were leading project execution team, a good understanding of the percentage share of each part of the system as shown in Fig. 2 a.