Building related PV systems in GCC countries: A SWOT analysis

Abstract

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have over 50% and 30% of global oil and gas reserves respectively and have therefore traditionally relied on fossil fuels to meet all their energy requirements. In recent years however there has been a realization to diversify their energy mix and tap on their rich solar energy potential. While buildings account for as much as 80% of the total national power generation in these countries, the emphasis thus far has been on large scale solar energy projects. The article examines the prospects of application of PV in building by undertaking a strength, weakness, opportunities and threat (SWOT) analysis. In this respect wide ranging technical, cultural, economic and policy related factors have been highlighted. A modeling exercise has also been undertaken to examine the rooftop applicability of PV in residential buildings. Underlying examples from developed countries, the paper concludes with policy recommendations to promote the application of solar.