Dubai aims to feed more solar power into its main grid – currently heavily dependent on gas-fired turbines as part of its strategy to diversify resources. Once this happens, the cost of electricity for homes may be reduced considerably . Solar power will help meet the city?s power demand while turning it further away from non-renewable energy sources. Sunlight or solar radiation is abundant in the clear skies of the UAE and is increasingly being harnessed for conversion into electricity.In the coming 16 years, Dubai aims to reduce gas use to 71 per cent, and mix its energy sources by depending 12 per cent on nuclear energy, 12 per cent on clean coal and five per cent on solar power. The target is part of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030.

In line with this strategy , The first 100% solar-powered and environmentally friendly park has been launched by Dubai Municipality.

Dubai Municipality completed its first trial to operate environmentally friendly parks. The parks, which will operate independently from the water and electricity authority, will generate energy from the sun with the use of solar panels.

Al Khazzan Park is the first park of its kind in the area that operates 100 per cent through solar energy.

Solar power up

Dubai is also encouraging building owners to install solar panels on their premises and use solar power as needed for their buildings and any surplus is then sent to DEWA's power frid.  Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has invited applications for the same and they've already received applications from 16 big building owners.

DEWA has urged home and building owners to take advantage of its Shams Dubai smart initiative to install photovoltaic (PV) panels on rooftops to produce solar energy and connect it to DEWA's grid.

The initiative supports DEWA's strategy to diversify Dubai's energy mix and its efforts to promote the use of renewable energy.

Infact DEWA is sending invitations to building owners to help join in the push to make Dubai one of the smartest and most sustainable cities in the world.

DEWA has confirmed that installing the solar energy system on the rooftops of houses and buildings is easy.

The customer can contact one of the consultants or contractors accredited by DEWA to study the feasibility of installing the solar power system and suggest the best solution.

The consultant or contractor will then obtain the necessary approvals from DEWA.

These include an NOC for installing solar energy system and connecting it to the power network, and approvals for the solar system design that meets all the requirements.

After obtaining the necessary approvals, the consultant or contractor can undertake on-site work.

After completing installation, they will submit a notification to Dewa to conduct the technical inspection of the site and install the meter to complete the connection process.

The electricity produced can be used in the premises and the surplus will be exported to DEWA's grid.

An offset between exported and imported electricity units is conducted and the customer account is settled based on this offset. 

Sources :

Gulf News

Emirates 24/7 

Zawya