Distributed PV systems in Saudi Arabia: Current status, challenges, and prospects

Abstract

This study analyses the development of photovoltaic (PV) systems in Saudi Arabian buildings, assessing their performance, energy efficiency, economic feasibility, and hybrid PV-battery configurations. Key factors include electricity tariffs, fossil fuel costs, levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and technology selection. The research examines obstacles, design complexities, and energy losses in PV deployment, assessing economic and environmental impacts within the regulatory framework. This work investigates the integration of energy efficiency, financial feasibility, and environmental considerations, offering a strategic roadmap for expanding distributed PV systems within an emerging local policy framework. The findings indicate that regular performance monitoring is crucial, particularly in arid conditions. Semi-annual maintenance is effective in detecting early failures and extending the system's lifespan, while bi-weekly cleaning enhances cost efficiency and energy savings in arid climate areas. The main findings indicate that initial rooftop PV utilisation rates range from 21 % to 49 %, with energy savings differing by building type: 16–21 % for campuses and 43 % for residential buildings, depending on the mitigation of rooftop obstacles and the dynamic of electrical self-consumption. Furthermore, proper design and maintenance can improve the performance ratio to 77.00%–84.27 %. Likewise, economic feasibility hinges on cost and energy yield, with a mean LCOE of $0.0445/kWh. This work brings an innovative perspective to scholarly discourse by exploring the potential of distributed solar energy in Saudi Arabia, thereby supporting further research contributions.