Why are there no barriers to solar PV installation in Bahrain?

None of the participants mentioned any reported barriers to installation of solar PV in Bahrain. This is likely because solar panel installation is relatively new in Bahrain and the participants were not clear on the specifics involved. Effective dissemination of information is necessary, as explained later.

How big is Bahrain's photovoltaic capacity?

According to estimates by the International Renewable Energy Agency, Bahrain’s photovoltaic (PV) capacity was around 10 MW at that time. Large-scale plants offer one way to rapidly scale up renewable energy deployment. One notable project is the Askar landfill site in southern governorate.

Is Bahrain transitioning to solar energy projects?

After the establishment of the Sustainable Energy Unit (SEU) in Bahrain in 2014, a radical transition toward launching solar energy projects can clearly be observed. The SEU was established in collaboration between the national government and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

How will a 100 MW solar PV plant be built in Bahrain?

Once the necessary rehabilitation is complete, a 100 MW solar PV plant will be constructed. On the distribution side, Bahrain has adopted a net metering system, allowing businesses and individuals to install solar systems and supply excess electricity to the EWA grid.

Is solar PV a social issue in Bahrain?

Although there are fewer peer-reviewed studies on the social aspects of solar PV compared to technical studies, the present research sheds light on public perspectives on this topic in Bahrain. In fact, it used a cross-sectional design for this purpose.

Are Bahrainis willing to pay the full cost of solar PV systems?

According to the cross tabulation results, majority of participants who were willing to pay the full cost of residential solar PV systems were Bachelor degree holders with the average per-capita monthly income for Bahrainis.