Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) has unveiled a new service called ‘BeSolar’ to install distributed solar energy systems.
Under BeSolar, a distributed solar energy policy and a net billing program have been introduced with an aim to encourage the customers to install solar energy systems in their homes, farms, factories, and other properties. This will allow the customers to benefit from Qatar’s renewable solar energy sources.
The electricity generated from solar panels is first used to meet the needs of customers, and the surplus is sent to the grid. A bidirectional meter measures the surplus electricity and sent to the grid, and KAHRAMAA will deduct the value of the surplus electricity from the next bill, reducing the future bills of the customers.
This service seeks to contribute to the goals of Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy, Qatar National Vision 2030, and the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030). The National Renewable Energy Strategy intends to boost the share of renewable energy in Qatar from 5 percent to 18 percent by 2030. The strategy also aims to produce 200 megawatts of distributed solar energy systems. This will allow the customers to connect photovoltaic solar systems to their facilities and export surplus electricity to the grid.
To install solar energy systems, the customers need to choose an authorized contractor from KAHRAMAA. The contractor will prepare the technical design, and the solar system will be installed after the approval. The contractor will inform KAHRAMAA to connect the customer to smart meters and generating solar energy once the installation is over.
The registration for qualifying contractors to get licensed for installing distributed solar energy system has begun. An authorized contractor must take qualification steps to prove their eligibility to install the solar systems.
Once the application is reviewed, KAHRAMAA will contact the contractor. The contacted contractor must complete training, pass a test, and go on a field visit. After this process, the contractor will earn the certificate, and the contracting company will be licensed to install distributed solar energy systems.
