PassivSystems secures phase 1 contract with AER in Oman
PassivSystems has secured a contract with the Authority for Electricity Regulation Oman (AER), to consult on the first phase of an ambitious plan to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on more than 30% of all residential rooftops in the Sultanate of Oman.
"We chose PassivSystems as consultants on this project because of its extensive experience working on funded solar PV schemes," commented Qais Saud Al Zakwani, Executive Director at the Authority. "By tapping into its experience as UK market leaders in managing residential rooftop PV, we are confident that we will achieve the cost and generation yield targets necessary to ensure that this programme is a success."
The government initiative, known as "˜Sahim', will use a funded ownership model that offers householders access to solar PV with minimal capital outlay, giving home owners in Oman a long-term financial incentive to install solar systems on their rooftops. While the initiative is being led by AER, private investors will provide the capital to fund the solar scheme.
With the prevalence of air conditioning in Omani homes, electricity demand often peaks during the day "“ exactly when solar power is able to make the greatest contribution to meeting that demand. Solar PV will help reduce consumers' bills and Oman's reliance on natural gas as a fuel.
Deploying solar on such a wide scale has many benefits, not least the ability to defer investment in reinforcing the supply network, which would otherwise be needed to accommodate peak power demands.
