The Middle East, long known for its vast fossil fuel reserves, is now positioning itself as a key player in the solar energy sector. At the end of 2023, solar capacity in the region reached 16 gigawatts (GW), with projections to exceed 23 GW by the close of 2024—a staggering 43.75% year-on-year increase. This upward trend signals the region’s drive to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, with solar photovoltaic (PV) anticipated to provide over half the region’s power by 2050, up from just 2% today. Yet, true accessibility remains an ongoing challenge. At Plentiful Energy, we believe that inclusive solar energy solutions are the key to a sustainable future in the Middle East, offering vital opportunities for economic growth and energy equity.
With abundant sunlight and vast desert landscapes, the Middle East is ideally suited to become a solar powerhouse. Some countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman, receive more than 2,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar radiation per square metre annually, making the region one of the best places in the world for solar energy. Solar PV has also become one of the most cost-effective energy sources available, with Saudi Arabia setting a world record at a levelised cost of $10.4 per megawatt-hour. Paired with the region’s rapid population growth, urbanisation, and industrialisation, the demand for renewable energy is reaching new heights. Yet, as promising as these developments are, we must ensure that everyone, from urban centres to rural areas, can access and benefit from solar power.
One of the significant hurdles facing the Middle East’s solar future is the economic challenge posed by high initial costs. Installing solar energy systems requires a substantial upfront investment, often inaccessible to low- and middle-income communities. Fossil fuel subsidies across much of the region further complicate the financial equation, as these subsidies make conventional energy artificially cheap and reduce the appeal of transitioning to solar. Additionally, limited financing options for renewable energy projects hinder potential adopters, particularly for individual homeowners or small businesses, who may not qualify for conventional loans tailored to solar projects.
Moreover, regulatory and infrastructure barriers present another layer of complexity. Although many Middle Eastern countries are developing supportive policy frameworks, some still lack essential incentives, such as feed-in tariffs or net metering policies, to encourage solar adoption. In places like Oman, private developers face regulatory limitations, and the bureaucratic processes for solar installation can be discouraging. In countries like Iraq, the existing power infrastructure is also ill-equipped to support the integration of large-scale solar projects, adding technical challenges that increase costs for developers.
In addition to these regulatory and economic barriers, cultural and social factors influence the adoption of solar energy in the Middle East. In areas with a longstanding reliance on fossil fuels, solar energy can sometimes face cultural resistance, as communities may have limited awareness of its benefits. Furthermore, a shortage of skilled professionals in solar installation, maintenance, and operation across the region limits the market’s growth, creating additional challenges for scaling up renewable energy.
These hurdles are especially visible when comparing solar energy access between urban and rural areas. In large urban centres and industrial zones, solar projects are more common, and the benefits of renewable energy reach a broader population through grid connections. However, rural and remote areas often lack the infrastructure to support such projects. Solutions such as solar-powered microgrids, used successfully in regions like East Africa, could be a cost-effective way to address these challenges in the Middle East. Microgrids provide off-grid electricity, helping communities disconnected from national power networks. Despite some technical challenges, like load management during peak times, these systems offer an effective means of bringing solar energy to rural populations.
Income level is another factor shaping access to solar energy. High-income groups, for instance, can typically afford rooftop solar panels or to participate in community solar initiatives. Middle-income groups have begun to benefit from government incentives and financing options, which are gradually expanding to make solar installations more accessible. However, low-income communities face significant barriers to entry, including high upfront costs, limited financing options, and lack of property ownership or suitable roof space.
Plentiful Energy has developed a community-driven model to address these barriers. Working with local authorities, we have created a Solar Community Master Plan that brings the benefits of solar power to a broader demographic. For communities where rooftop installations may not be feasible or culturally preferred, we offer alternative models, allowing individuals to invest as stakeholders in mid-sized solar plants. This approach allows households, especially lower- and middle-income groups, to offset energy costs while contributing to a community-based renewable energy initiative. This model also provides a buffer against rising energy prices as regional governments gradually reduce subsidies on electricity and fuel, making renewable energy an attractive and practical choice.
Our commitment to inclusivity extends to developing innovative financing solutions tailored to the economic landscape of the Middle East. Renewable energy should be affordable and accessible to all, and Plentiful Energy’s financing models reflect this. By providing flexible payment options, such as community investment schemes, we enable a broader segment of the population to participate in and benefit from solar energy. These financing options empower individuals and businesses alike to join the movement toward sustainable energy, helping to create a resilient, locally supported green economy.
Implementing inclusive energy solutions also requires a deep understanding of cultural and infrastructural diversity. At Plentiful Energy, we are dedicated to designing projects that respect local customs and work seamlessly with existing infrastructures. Our Solar Community Master Plan, for instance, considers cultural preferences by offering alternatives to rooftop solar installations. By embedding local knowledge into each project, we foster public-private partnerships that make our solar solutions both accessible and meaningful to the communities they serve.
In creating a sustainable future, we must ensure that the journey includes everyone. For the Middle East, where solar potential is immense, the path to sustainable energy lies in making solar power accessible to all communities, regardless of location or income. Inclusive solar energy is more than a vision; it is a necessity to meet the region’s growing energy needs, support economic diversification, and reduce environmental impact.
