Prospects of PV application in unregulated building rooftops in developing countries: A perspective from Saudi Arabia

摘要: Abstract The study aims to investigate the potential for rooftop application of solar PV in residential sector Kingdom Saudi Arabia (KSA) taking into account two main types buildings i.e. apartments and villas. It is first detailed KSA which focuses on utilizability building rooftops considering various structural, services cultural parameters. work employs remote sensing GIS techniques gather data a district city Al-Khubar covering 33,000 units. was validated through site visits sampled regression models were created examine relationships between areas roof area. PVSOL software then used model determine impact shading. Frequency occurrence hurdles impacting has been determined. found that currently 21% 28% respective apartment villa can be effectively application. total area amounting 14.21 km2 are estimated annually deliver 796 GWh electricity. also concludes policy intervention subsequent power output increased by 22.5%. Owing similarities structural architectural features, findings applied sectors across all countries GCC region.