Renewable energy options in Saudi Arabia: The economic viability of solar photovoltaics within the residential sector.

Abstract

Renewable energy options, including solar power, are becoming progressively more viable and thus increasingly pose challenges to conventional sources of energy, such as oil, coal and natural gas. Solar Photovoltaic technology is one type of solar energy technologies that has recently received substantial attention because it offers the possibility of providing clean power sources for buildings. The aim of this paper is to examine the economic viability of using photovoltaics within future residential buildings in the oil-rich Saudi Arabia. The study reveals that significant benefits, economic and other wise, could be realised as a result of such an endeavour.