Solar Potential in Saudi Arabia

Country or Region Overview

Country or Region: Saudi Arabia

Capital: Riyadh

Total Population: Approximately 35 million (as of 2025)

Geographical Location: Located in the Middle East, on the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain (via a bridge), Qatar, UAE, Oman, and Yemen, with a vast coastline along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.

Solar resource map copyright at 2021 Solargis. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution license (CC BY-SA 4.0). This is a solar resource map from Solargis. For a higher resolution map, please visit and download.

Solar Irradiation Data in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has one of the most favorable climates in the world for solar power generation, with an annual average solar irradiation of 5.5 kWh/m²/day to 7.0 kWh/m²/day. The country enjoys clear skies, abundant sunshine, and long days throughout the year, especially in regions such as the Najd and Eastern Province, which have some of the highest irradiation levels globally.

Key Solar Irradiation Data:
- Annual Solar Irradiation: Around 5.7 kWh/m²/day on average
- High Irradiation Regions: Eastern Province, Najd, and Southern regions
- Peak Irradiation: Up to 7.0 kWh/m²/day in desert areas

This makes Saudi Arabia a prime location for both large-scale solar power plants and residential solar installations. As the country progresses with its Vision 2030, the integration of solar power into the national energy mix is expected to play a key role in the country’s transition toward renewable energy.

With such high solar irradiation, Saudi Arabia is capable of generating significant amounts of energy from solar panels. In fact, the country’s solar energy potential is massive, which can contribute substantially to its clean energy goals.

If you need to learn more solar power potential for your location in Saudi Arabia, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.

Temperature Factors in Saudi Arabia

Average Annual Temperature: Saudi Arabia experiences extreme desert temperatures, with average annual temperatures ranging between 20°C (68°F) to 35°C (95°F), and occasionally exceeding 45°C (113°F) during the hottest months (June to August).
Impact on Solar Panels: Higher temperatures in Saudi Arabia can slightly reduce the efficiency of solar panels due to the temperature coefficient, which is a decrease in output as temperatures rise. However, the high levels of solar irradiation more than compensate for this effect, making it still highly viable for solar installations. To ensure optimal performance, solar panels designed for high-temperature conditions (such as PERC panels) are recommended.
Recommendation: It is crucial to select solar systems specifically engineered for hot climates. Efficient cooling systems, advanced heat-tolerant materials, and quality inverters that can handle high temperatures are vital for ensuring long-term system reliability.

Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Saudi Arabia

National Energy Demand: Saudi Arabia’s energy consumption is increasing rapidly due to its growing population, expanding cities, and large industrial sector. The country has historically relied on fossil fuels—mainly oil and natural gas—for electricity generation. However, in recent years, Saudi Arabia has recognized the need to diversify its energy sources and has begun focusing more on renewable energy solutions, including solar power.
Grid Infrastructure: Saudi Arabia has a well-developed grid system that reaches most urban areas, but it faces challenges in more remote or desert regions. The country is working to integrate renewable energy into its national grid to reduce reliance on oil and gas. The government’s ambitious plans to generate 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 include large-scale solar power projects and the development of energy storage systems to stabilize the grid.
Opportunities from Global Events: With the upcoming 2030 World Expo and 2034 World Cup, Saudi Arabia is expected to showcase its commitment to sustainable development and green energy. These high-profile events will likely push the country to seek innovative and reliable solar energy solutions, as large-scale infrastructure projects will need to be powered by clean energy.

Preferred System Type in Saudi Arabia

Grid-Connected Systems: Given Saudi Arabia’s growing reliance on solar energy, grid-connected solar systems will play a critical role, especially in urban centers such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Mecca. For both residential and commercial properties, grid-tied systems allow users to generate their own power while remaining connected to the grid for backup power when needed. These systems can also take advantage of net metering, where excess energy produced by solar panels is sent back to the grid in exchange for credit.
Off-Grid Systems: In remote areas, off-grid solar systems can provide a reliable and sustainable source of power, which is crucial for regions without easy access to the main grid. Off-grid solutions can be paired with battery storage to ensure a continuous supply of power, even during periods of low sunlight.
Hybrid Systems: For some large projects and commercial installations, hybrid systems combining solar power with energy storage or backup generators are ideal. This ensures that energy is available 24/7, even during overcast days or at night.

Dust and Sand Factor in Saudi Arabia

Dust and Sandstorms: Saudi Arabia’s desert climate means that dust and sandstorms are common, especially during the hotter months. These storms can accumulate on solar panels, reducing their efficiency and requiring frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance.
Recommendation: To mitigate dust accumulation, solar panel systems should be designed with self-cleaning technologies or be tilted at optimal angles to allow dust and sand to naturally slide off. Additionally, using dust-resistant coatings and weatherproofing materials will help reduce maintenance and ensure long-term durability.

Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Saudi Arabia

Humidity Levels: Saudi Arabia generally has low humidity levels due to its arid climate. Coastal areas like Jeddah experience slightly higher humidity due to proximity to the Red Sea, but the overall humidity remains manageable.
Impact on Solar Panels: The low humidity levels are generally beneficial for solar panel performance, as moisture accumulation is minimal. However, areas near the coast, such as Jeddah, may face some risk of saltwater corrosion. For these regions, it is essential to use corrosion-resistant materials in the panels and mounting structures.

Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Saudi Arabia

Saltwater Corrosion: As a coastal country, Saudi Arabia faces challenges with saltwater corrosion, particularly in regions like Jeddah and other Red Sea coastal areas. Salt particles carried by the wind can settle on solar panels and metal components, potentially leading to degradation and reduced system efficiency over time.
Recommendation: Solar panels installed near the coastline should be built with marine-grade materials and treated with anti-corrosion coatings. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of the panels will help ensure that salt buildup does not affect performance.

Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to diversify the country’s energy sources and reduce its dependence on oil. The government has committed to investing heavily in renewable energy, including solar power, and has introduced a number of initiatives to incentivize the adoption of solar energy:

Saudi Green Initiative: Part of Vision 2030, this initiative aims to produce 50% of Saudi Arabia’s energy from renewable sources by 2030, with solar being a key player.
Subsidies and Incentives: The government offers incentives, including tax breaks and subsidies for businesses and households that install solar energy systems.
Net Metering and Feed-in Tariffs: These programs allow users to sell excess solar energy back to the grid, ensuring that businesses and consumers can recover some of their initial investment.

ROI on Solar Systems in Saudi Arabia

ROI Period: Solar systems in Saudi Arabia typically offer an ROI period of 3 to 5 years, depending on system size, location, and energy consumption patterns. The high solar irradiation and government incentives help make solar energy more affordable and financially viable.
Long-Term Savings: After the initial payback period, businesses and homeowners can expect substantial savings on electricity bills, making solar power a wise long-term investment. The lifetime savings far outweigh the upfront costs, with some systems providing savings of up to 70% to 80% on energy costs over the course of 25 years.

Conclusion on Solar Power in Saudi Arabia

With abundant solar resources, favorable government policies, and an increasing focus on sustainable energy, Saudi Arabia represents a prime market for solar energy solutions. As the country prepares for major international events like the 2030 World Expo and the 2034 World Cup, the demand for clean, green energy solutions is set to rise even further.

For businesses, homeowners, and large-scale developers, now is the ideal time to invest in solar energy solutions that are efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. Solarvance Team is ready to provide customized solar power systems tailored to your specific needs in Saudi Arabia.

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.