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In this paper, the potential of solar and wind energy-based distributed generation (DG) in Saudi Arabia is simultaneously analyzed with the aim of maximizing the utilization of available resources. It begins with an analysis of DG application potential for wind and solar energy resources in various regions of Saudi Arabia. The progress of DG applications in terms of research, planning, and exploitation of wind and solar energy resources is then presented. An assessment of the DG contribution to the energy sector of Saudi Arabia has been conducted and the barriers and challenges for the implementation of DG systems in the country are discussed with suggested measures to overcome the challenges. The main findings are that with the huge potential of wind and solar resources for DG applications the country has targeted 50 GW of wind and solar capacity by the year 2040. The Saudi government is expected to provide full support in the form of financial incentives for solar and wind energy projects in order to boost renewable energy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a review for the characteristics of solar resources in 32 sites across Saudi Arabia through determining the performance of a pilot photovoltaic system based on real time solar radiation data collected during the last two years. The investigation has been done for three possible of sun tracking modes: fixed tilt angle, 1-axis and 2-axis tracking modes. The performance characteristics have been determined using three indicators: yield factor, capacity factor and performance ratio. The simulation results showed high energy productivity for all the 32 sites over Saudi Arabia. The values of performance indicators are high compared with similar systems in different countries. The main purpose of this study is to explore the relative properties for some sites in Saudi Arabia regarding solar energy production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air-conditioning systems in Saudi Arabia consume approximately 65% of the electrical energy used in the building sector. Most air-conditioning systems in operation are of the vapor-compression variety. The use of solar energy to power such systems may save a large amount of electrical energy. Large-size commercial buildings in Saudi Arabia consume particularly high levels of electricity. This review compares three air-conditioning systems (conventional vapor-compression, solar LiBr–H 2 O absorption, and solar photovoltaic (PV) vapor-compression) using a techno-economic analysis for a typical large-size building under a constant cooling load during daytime. The study utilizes the two economic methodologies, payback period (PBP) and the net present value (NPV), for a commercial building in Khobar City, located in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this paper is to exploit the results achieved in the analysis to develop viable recommendations in mitigating the electrical peak power demand in Saudi Arabia by utilizing solar cooling technology in commercial buildings as well as to establish the tangible economic benefits from applying such technology. The results show that a solar absorption system ismoreeconomically feasible than a solar PV-vapor-compression system. Moreover, the feasibility of both solar-powered systems improves as the size of the commercial building and the electricity rate increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]