The sun is continuously producing energy in the form of heat and light. This energy is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy and solar architecture. Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available and the Middle East region lies in the global sun belt – receiving the sunniest days per year to favor growth of the solar energy industry.

Solar energy is captured in a variety of ways, the most common of which is with Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that convert the sun’s rays into usable electricity. PV panels are made up of many solar cells. Multiple cells make up a solar panel, and multiple panels (modules) can be wired together to form a solar array.

Sunlight hits a solar panel on the roof. The panels convert the energy to DC current, which flows to an inverter. The inverter converts the electricity from DC to AC, which you can then use to power your home.

Solar energy is a clean, inexpensive, renewable power source that can be harnessed and used to generate electricity at any point where sunlight hits the surface of the earth. You will generate your own electricity and use it power all your appliances and equipment without depending on the power grid. Using solar panels help you to:

a. Reduce or eliminate electricity bills

b. Earn great return on investment

c. Avoid utility inflation (tariff rates)

d. Constant and reliable power supply

e. Increased property value

f. Energy independence

g. Protect the environment

Solar panels are installed at three main scales: residential, commercial, and utility. Residential-scale solar is typically installed on rooftops of homes or in open land (ground-mounted) and is generally between 5 and 20 kilowatts (kW), depending on the size of a property. In Dubai, the average energy consumption of a villa is around 60,000 kWh/year, a solar PV system of 15 kWp will generate 24,000 kWh of electricity, offsetting around 40-50% of the energy needs, meaning savings of around AED 10,500 annually.

Commercial solar energy projects are generally installed at a greater scale than residential solar. Though individual installations can vary greatly in size, commercial-scale solar serves a consistent purpose: to provide on-site solar power to businesses and non-profits. Finally, utility-scale solar projects are typically large, several megawatt (MW) installations that provide solar energy to a large number of utility customers.

Step 1

Customers can contact SDG Energy, one of DEWA’s enrolled contractors to review the feasibility and get advice on the best solution for the solar PV system in compliance with DEWA’s standards.

Step 2: NOC application We submit the Solar NOC building application to DEWA.

Step 3: Design Approval Application Upon receiving the DEWA building solar NOC, the we will apply for solar PV design approval.

Step 4: Notification to DEWA

We will notify DEWA that the installation is ready for inspection and connection.

Step 5: Site Inspection and Connection

We will coordinate with DEWA and the customer to arrange the technical inspection of the site, signing the connection agreement, meter installation, and connection of the solar photovoltaic system to DEWA’s grid.

Step 6: Solar Generation Once the system is connected, the customer can generate his or her own electricity using solar energy. The surplus is exported to DEWA grid. DEWA will offset the customer’s bill accordingly.

Solar panels are continuously producing electricity during the day – meaning they are always live. However, they can be switched off for periodic maintenance. Your solar PV installer will introduce you to a complete guide to switching your solar system on or off.

If you are going away for a vacation, you can leave your solar PV system on. It will continue to produce energy daily. As your system is connected to the grid, the unused energy will be transported back into the grid for use elsewhere. You will get credit for the excess energy produced, and can use that credit to draw from the conventional grid at night or on cloudy days. A net meter records the energy sent compared to the energy received from the grid.