• Boosting Renewable Energy: Qatar’s new ‘BeSolar’ service aims to expand solar energy usage, contributing to the country’s goal of generating 200 megawatts from distributed systems by 2030.
• Optional Participation: Subscribers can opt-in to install solar systems, which could reduce electricity bills and promote sustainability without impacting current services.
• Economic and Environmental Benefits: The initiative supports environmental sustainability, reduces grid load, lowers subscriber bills, and fosters local market development.

Qatar’s renewable energy efforts are ramping up with the launch of the ‘BeSolar’ service by the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa). This new initiative is a significant step towards achieving the objectives of the Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy, aiming to enhance the security and diversity of the country’s energy sources.

“The launch of ‘BeSolar’ aims to encourage Kahramaa’s subscribers to install solar energy systems, contributing to the national goal of generating 200 megawatts from distributed systems by 2030,” said Eng. Abdulrahman Ibrahim Al Baker, Director of Production Planning and Business Development at Kahramaa. The initiative aligns with Qatar’s broader efforts to expand the use of clean, renewable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions.

The ‘BeSolar’ service is designed to be fully compatible with existing electricity services provided by Kahramaa, ensuring no disruption to current subscribers. “Subscribing to this service will be optional,” Eng. Al Baker noted, adding that the process for subscription follows the same systems currently used for electricity service requests, whether for new installations or load enhancements.

Learning from global experiences, Eng. Al Baker emphasized the success of similar renewable energy programs worldwide, including in Gulf States. “Adopting such services has proven beneficial in many aspects, such as reducing the load on the electricity grid, lowering subscriber bills, enhancing environmental sustainability, and fostering a local market for the private sector,” he stated. This multifaceted approach aims to deliver both economic and social benefits to Qatar.

All Kahramaa subscribers are eligible to register for ‘BeSolar’, although the feasibility of solar installation depends on factors like roof area and current electricity consumption. Eng. Al Baker explained, “Subscribers can conduct a feasibility study themselves or through a specialized company to determine whether they wish to apply for this service.“

Kahramaa has already provided basic information about ‘BeSolar’ on its website and social media platforms, with technical requirements and contractor qualifications also published. The application process for subscribers will be announced shortly, paving the way for broader participation in this renewable energy initiative.

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Regarding the economic impact, Eng. Al Baker pointed out that the cost and return on investment for solar energy systems vary based on several factors, including system size, integration with building designs, and manufacturer components. “In general, subscribers with high consumption and higher tariffs can expect a very good return on investment in solar energy systems due to the application of the net billing mechanism,” he explained.

Qatar’s ‘BeSolar’ service represents a forward-thinking approach to energy sustainability, offering a flexible, economically viable option for subscribers while supporting the nation’s long-term environmental goals.