Powering Oman’s Growth with Solar Energy Solutions

Country or Region Overview

Country or Region: Oman

Capital: Muscat

Total Population: Approximately 4.5 million (as of 2025)

Geographical Location: Oman is located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, with a long coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. It has a hot desert climate — ideal for solar energy generation.

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Solar Irradiation Data in Oman

Oman enjoys exceptional solar potential due to its arid climate and strategic location, with an annual average solar irradiation of 5.5 kWh/m²/day to 7.0 kWh/m²/day. Inland desert regions and coastal plains, such as those in Al Wusta and Dhofar, receive intense sunlight year-round, making Oman a prime candidate for solar energy development.

Key Solar Irradiation Data:

Annual Solar Irradiation: 6.0 kWh/m²/day on average nationwide
High Irradiation Regions: Al Wusta, Ad Dakhiliyah, and northern deserts, reaching 6.5 to 7.0 kWh/m²/day
Peak Irradiation: Up to 7.0 kWh/m²/day in summer months
Oman’s installed solar capacity reached 1 GW by 2024, highlighted by the 500 MW Ibri II Solar Project. The country aims for 30% renewable energy by 2030 under its Vision 2040, with solar as a key driver to diversify from oil and gas.

If you need to learn more solar power potential in Oman, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.

Temperature Factors in Oman

Average Annual Temperature: Oman has a hot desert climate, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F) in winter and 35°C to 45°C (95°F to 113°F) in summer, occasionally exceeding 50°C (122°F) in inland deserts. Coastal areas like Muscat are slightly cooler due to sea breezes.
Impact on Solar Panels: Extreme summer heat reduces panel efficiency slightly due to the temperature coefficient, but high irradiation offsets this loss. Winter conditions optimize performance.
Recommendation: Solar systems should use heat-tolerant panels (e.g., PERC or bifacial) with advanced cooling and high-quality inverters to withstand intense heat. Dust-resistant designs are also essential in this arid environment.

Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Oman

National Energy Demand: Oman’s energy consumption is driven by its growing population, industrial sector (e.g., petrochemicals), and desalination needs, totaling over 35 TWh annually. Historically reliant on natural gas (over 90% of electricity), the country is shifting to renewables to meet sustainability goals and preserve gas for export.
Grid Infrastructure: The Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) oversees a modern grid serving urban areas like Muscat and Salalah, with rural desert regions less connected. Solar integration is expanding with projects like Amin and Ibri, supported by plans for energy storage and grid upgrades by 2030.
Opportunities from Global Events: Oman’s participation in regional expos and potential hosting of sustainability summits could highlight its renewable efforts, driving demand for solar-powered infrastructure in cities and tourist areas like the Dhofar coast.

Preferred System Type in Oman

Grid-Connected Systems: Ideal for urban centers like Muscat, Sohar, and Salalah, where grid-tied solar supports residential, commercial, and industrial users. Net metering policies are emerging to enhance ROI.
Off-Grid Systems: In remote desert and mountain areas, off-grid solar with battery storage powers villages, farms, and worker camps, reducing diesel reliance.
Hybrid Systems: For large-scale projects like desalination plants or oilfields, hybrid systems combining solar with gas or battery backups ensure reliability, especially during peak summer demand.

Dust and Sand Factor in Oman

Dust and Sandstorms: Oman’s desert landscape experiences frequent dust and sandstorms, particularly in summer, which can reduce panel efficiency by up to 30% if not cleaned regularly. Coastal areas face less intensity but still see dust from inland winds.
Recommendation: Solar systems should feature tilted designs, dust-resistant coatings, and self-cleaning technologies to minimize accumulation. Regular maintenance is critical to maintain peak performance in this dusty climate.

Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Oman

Humidity Levels: Coastal Oman (e.g., Muscat, Salalah) has moderate to high humidity, averaging 50% to 80%, due to the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman. Inland deserts are drier, at 20% to 40%. Rainfall is scarce, averaging 100 to 300 mm/year, with more in Dhofar during the khareef monsoon (June to September).
Impact on Solar Panels: High coastal humidity poses a slight risk of moisture buildup, though modern sealing mitigates this. Low rainfall inland means dust reliance rather than natural cleaning, while Dhofar’s monsoon requires weatherproofing.
Recommendation: Panels with robust encapsulation suit humid coastal zones, while inland systems prioritize dust management. Weatherproof designs ensure durability in Dhofar’s wet season.

Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Oman

Saltwater Corrosion: Oman’s 3,165 km coastline along the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman exposes populated coastal areas like Muscat and Sur to saltwater corrosion from sea spray and humid winds. Inland deserts are less affected but within wind range.
Recommendation: Solar installations should use marine-grade materials and anti-corrosion coatings, especially in coastal cities. Regular cleaning removes salt deposits, ensuring long-term efficiency.

Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Oman

Oman’s renewable energy framework aligns with its Vision 2040:

Renewable Energy Target: Aims for 30% of electricity from renewables by 2030, with solar capacity rising to 4 GW.
Sahim Initiative: Encourages rooftop solar for homes and businesses with subsidies and net metering in select regions.
Public-Private Partnerships: Projects like Ibri II, backed by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and international investors, drive large-scale solar growth.
These policies reflect Oman’s shift toward sustainability while leveraging its oil wealth for a green future.

ROI on Solar Systems in Oman

ROI Period: Solar ROI in Oman ranges from 3 to 5 years, driven by high irradiation, government support, and rising electricity costs. Urban systems achieve payback in 3 to 4 years, while remote setups take 4 to 5 years.
Long-Term Savings: Over a 25-year lifespan, savings reach 70% to 85% on electricity bills, with significant benefits for industrial and commercial users offsetting high grid rates.

Conclusion on Solar Power in Oman

Oman’s vast deserts, strong solar irradiation, and long coastline create a unique energy landscape. With ambitious renewable energy targets and large-scale solar projects already in motion, Oman is poised to become a leader in solar power across the Gulf region.

For businesses and investors, Oman offers a strategic opportunity — balancing energy independence with environmental responsibility. Solar power is not just a cost-saving solution here — it’s a key driver of the country’s economic diversification efforts under Vision 2040.

Solarvance is prepared to support Oman’s energy transition with reliable, high-performance solar solutions, designed to withstand desert dust, humidity, and coastal corrosion.

Contact us today to discover how solar energy can empower your operations and contribute to Oman’s sustainable future.

Choose Solarvance for Your Solar System

Contact us today to explore customized solar solutions for your needs, whether you’re interested in grid-connected, off-grid, or hybrid solar systems. Our team at Solarvance is here to guide you through every step of the process, from system design to installation and maintenance.