Solar energy applications in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have witnessed remarkable development since the 1960’s.
The main research and development methodology for the development of solar energy technologies was initiated by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in 1977, in cooperation with the Saudi Solar Radiation Company (Atlas). A joint research project between it and the Energy Research Institute, which was called the Solar Village Project. In 1994
The solar village project is located 50 km northwest of Riyadh, and produces between 1-1.5 MWh.
With the aim of connecting electric power to three villages, Al-Uyaynah, Al-Jubaila and Al-Hijrah. Which made it the largest project of its kind in 1980 at a cost of $18 million
Later, in 2007, a new center for advanced research in the field of renewable energy was established at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. The center aims to further scientific development in the field of renewable energy, with a focus on solar energy.
Today, the largest solar project, North Park – is located in Dhahran – the Eastern Province – at the headquarters of the Saudi Oil Company “Aramco”, with a capacity of 10 megawatts and a system that has the capacity to cover a garage of 200,000 square meters.
Many organizations and countries are making real efforts in the field of research and investment in the field of solar energy.
And the use of solar energy as a major alternative to the energy resulting from the combustion of petroleum materials, and regardless of the obvious difference in the production costs of both types of energy… the real importance of the trend towards the production and use of solar energy stems from the fact that solar energy is the most important source of renewable energy,
Here are seven main reasons why it is preferable to switch to using solar energy, even partially:
1- Utilizing solar energy
Some people sometimes ask, why solar energy?
The use of solar energy is a great option in terms of preserving the environment
One of the great things about solar energy is that it is a clean source of energy. It’s also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Solar energy helps you to be self-sufficient. Installing solar panels on your roof to store energy is an easy way to contribute to a sustainable future. Starting from your home.
- Private solar energy is your best economic choice:
The prices of solar electricity compared to the prices of electricity networks is a great example when it comes to economical and healthy options at the same time.
3- Invest in solar energy..and enjoy independence…!
By investing in solar energy systems, you can easily protect yourself against unpredictable price increases, enjoy electricity all day long – the sun will not increase the price of its services..then it gives you clean, safe, and renewable energy, as soon as you have solar panels On the roof of your house, villa or factory.
4- The potential loss of electricity generated from solar power plants is much lower than the rates of electricity loss if it is transferred from large power plants to consumers through their wide networks. The current transmission distances are directly proportional to the loss rates in the electric current
. Simply control your bills and your energy consumption.
- _ A few solar panels on the roof of your house, providing you with a safe stock of energy.
When many users of the electric current provided by the Saudi Electricity Company turn to users of solar energy, the inevitable result is a decrease in the use of electrical energy generated from petroleum materials. Which saves a lot for the state.
It is worth mentioning here, is the ease of producing and providing electric current using solar energy during times of natural disasters or wars.
..and those times when it is not possible to reach the electric current from its traditional sources
6- Contribute to improving the national economy by using solar energy.
The more society tends to use solar energy more. The greater the demand for companies working in the field of solar energy, including installation, of course. Which creates more job opportunities, and thus maintains the growth of the economy.
- Solar energy as a clean and thermal energy source:
Sunlight provides us with an infinite amount of energy. Of course, it is renewable energy… without combustion products or pollution of the environment… This is in addition to the advantages of solar energy that appear more in the long term. It’s time to enjoy the benefits of solar energy technology and support a clean environment. And a healthy life.
