March 28, 2025

The Climate change is the biggest threat to our planet, like a war between humanity and nature. However, in this battle, humanity’s survival requires working alongside nature than confronting it. Hence, to address climate change key steps have been taken in the Paris agreement and COP 28 summit. As per the Paris Agreement, a target was set to limit global warming to 1.5 ◦C. This target has led to set plans to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030 at 2023 COP 28 summit . As a result, many countries have established the 2030 goals, including reducing emissions and taking steps to mitigate the climate change impacts. A key aspect of these plans involves mixing renewable energy sources into the energy sector, eventually reducing the fossil fuel usage. Consequently, many countries are launching many renewable energy projects, introducing new renewable energy schemes, incentives, and policies to attract public interest, raising renewable energy research funding and creating public awareness about climate change. This global shift shows the responsibility of every individual role in protecting our environment and ensuring a sustainable future. Driven by concerns about climate change and global warming, the global PV cumulative capacity grew to 1.6 TW by 2023. China and the United States lead the global PV market, with 760 and 265 GW of installed capacity, respectively. The installed capacity in Africa amounted to approximately 221 GW. As per the Paris Agreement, the Sultanate of Oman is committed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and incorporating renewable energy mix in their energy sector. Based on this commitment, the country has planned a target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. To achieve this target, Oman energy sector has initiated various projects to incorporate renewable energy sources. The country also aims for 11 % renewable energy in its energy mix by 2025 and 30 % by 2030 [3] to achieve the Oman vision 2040 renewable energy goal and the 2050 goal in timely manner. In line, with the Paris Agreement commitments Oman aims to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas emission by 7 % by 2030 as outlined in its climate action strategy. The National Strategy for an orderly transition to net zero states that emission reduction rate of 54 % in 2040 and 92 % in 2050 from 2021 values. The Sultanate of Oman is fortunate to have renewable energy sources such, as solar power, wind power, geothermal energy and ocean energy. In global market, among the renewable energy sources, solar PV is preferred due to its advancement of its technology and decreasing costs over the year compared to other renewable energy and hybrid energy sources. Additionally, its size flexibility, easy of installation, low maintenance, and longevity contribute to the significant growth in the global market compared to other conventional and renewable energy sources. Furthermore, its robustness and reliability in energy production through various hybrid sources, such as PV-grid, PV-wind, PV -diesel, PV – concentrated solar power, PV-wind-diesel and PV-wind-battery systems, made it widespread deployment globally, which results global cumulative capacity of solar PV grew to 1.6 TW by 2023 . Electricity can be generated from solar PV technology and solar thermal system. Although, the Levelized Cost of Energy for solar thermal system is lower than solar PV technology in arid regions like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, solar PV is preferred due to its size of flexibility, which allows widespread adoption in the residential and utility-scale applications. Hence, when it comes to renewable energy sources Omans’s energy sector primarily focuses on photovoltaic (PV) generation than other renewable energy source. Also, Oman has implemented policies for rooftop PV systems such as Sahim rooftop solar PV initiative and several solar projects have been initiated since 2020 that are expected to be operational, before 2030. Many researchers have analysed the utilization of solar PV in various applications, such as street lighting, maritime energy solutions, desalination plant, grid stability, and industrial energy optimization, all of which contributes the sustainability, economic growth and environmental protection [15–20]. Consequently, numerous studies have explored the potential of solar PV in different locations, the feasibility of rooftop solar PV, public awareness of the solar PV transition, policies to promote solar PV and the overall scope of solar energy in Oman.   Oman region is classified as a desert with high dust accumulation, Al siyabi et al. conducted an experimental analysis on the effect of soiling on a 2MWp of car park PV plant at Muscat, Oman and their result shows that 5.6 % monthly electricity generation reduced by 7.5 % of soiling percentage and 10.8 % generation reduced by 12.5 % of soiling-percentage. Dust accumulation on solar PV was tested in six cities of Northern Oman and it was found that , Sohar and Muscat exhibit the higher percentage of dust accumulation due to industrial activity and more vehicles makes the air pollution. In contrast, Al-Khabourh, Suwaiq, and Shinas, which are far away from the industries and limited vehicles experienced the limited dust accumulation. Hussein A. Kazem and Miqdam T.Chaichan recommended that sodium solution is the best option to clean the solar PV in industrial cities, while water washing is sufficient for the other cities.   The performance of Solar PV cell material in desert regions is different from that in other regions. The best suitable solar PV system for Oman and the best solar PV site among 25 locations in Oman were identified using HOMER software. The research found that the best type of PV is the Ingeteam 1164kVA with generic PV. The best suitable solar PV sites are Marmul followed by Fahud, Sohar, and Qairoon Hairiti, due to their relatively low Cost of Energy, high clearness index and high level of solar radiation. A total of 130 modules were located in three different region such as Moderate climate, Hot and Humid climate, Hot and Dry Climate places and conducted field study to analyze the degradation rate in these regions. The findings indicated that higher degradation rates and Encapsulant discoloration were observed

Understanding Solar Carbon Savings The first thing to understand about the carbon savings of solar energy is that it will be different for each household. No two homes are exactly alike in their sun-facing orientation or their household energy usage. This is exactly why trusting a local solar installation contractor is so essential! Designing the best solar photovoltaic (PV) system for your home takes a nuanced approach, with attention to detail. Each kilowatt hour (kWh) that your solar PV system produces is a reduction in the carbon emissions of a single kWh of electricity produced by your local power utility. Massachusetts power utility companies use multiple methods to create electricity, some less environmentally friendly than others. Here in Massachusetts, the primary source of electricity generation is natural gas, which is still a fossil fuel but does have much lower carbon emissions than coal. Every 1 kWh of electricity produced accounts for 0.846 lbs of carbon.

Benefits of Solar Panels for your home Cost savings: Solar panels can significantly reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills, especially if you generate enough electricity to cover all of your needs. With a solar panel system, you can produce your own electricity and reduce your dependence on the power grid Environmentally friendly: Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source that doesn’t produce any harmful emissions or pollutants. Low maintenance: Solar panels require very little maintenance, and once installed, they can last for several decades. Increased property value: Homes with solar panels can be more valuable, as they are more energy-efficient and can save the homeowner money on energy costs and increase BER rating. Energy security: Solar energy is a domestic energy source that reduces the dependence on foreign oil and gas.

Agri-PV brings benefits for farmers The benefits of agri-PV span from crop protection, higher yields and increased profits for farmers to easier grid balancing and reduced curtailment of solar power. Agri-PV, also known as agrivoltaics, involves the simultaneous cultivation of crops and production of solar electricity on the same land with a primary focus on food production. Solar panels are placed in a way that does not compete with the crops – either above crops that benefit from shading, like berries, or between crops to enable the use of farming machinery. In the latter case, any reduction in crop yields is offset by revenues from the sales of solar electricity. Utilising agri-PV technology offers numerous benefits for crops as it can create a modified microclimate beneath the solar panels by altering factors like air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction and soil moisture. It shields crops from both excessive solar radiation and adverse weather conditions, such as hail, and promotes more efficient water usage, potentially reducing water consumption and stabilising yields during dry years. Furthermore, agri-PV helps farmers sustain their businesses and protects agricultural land from being converted into other uses, while supporting biodiversity and contributing to climate change mitigation through sustainable agricultural practices. This is particularly important in Central Europe. The four countries cover 19% of the EU’s arable land and produce substantial volumes of certain crops – 20% of the bloc’s wheat, 29% of oats, 37% of rye and 57% of berries. This food production is now at risk due to declining financial conditions for farmers, the volatility of fertiliser prices and the impacts of climate change.