Qatar’s General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has introduced a new initiative called ‘BeSolar’ to encourage the use of solar energy throughout the country. This program is part of Qatar’s broader strategy to increase the share of renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions.
Under the ‘BeSolar’ program, residents and businesses can install solar panels on their properties. Kahramaa has set up a net billing system to make this easier and more affordable. Here’s how it works: when solar panels produce more electricity than is needed, the extra power is sent to the grid. Kahramaa then measures this surplus with a bidirectional meter and reduces the customer’s electricity bill accordingly. This helps customers save money while supporting renewable energy.
The ‘BeSolar’ initiative is designed to align with Qatar’s National Renewable Energy Strategy, which aims to raise the share of renewable energy in the country from 5% to 18% by 2030. As part of this strategy, Qatar plans to generate 200 megawatts of solar power from distributed systems, allowing customers to connect their solar panels to the grid and export extra electricity.
To participate in the program, customers need to choose a Kahramaa-authorized contractor. The contractor will take care of all necessary steps, including obtaining approvals, designing the system, and handling the installation. After installation, the contractor will notify Kahramaa to connect the system to smart meters and start generating solar energy.
Kahramaa is also inviting contractors to apply for licensing to install solar systems. Contractors must pass specific training and examinations to ensure they meet Kahramaa’s standards.
