Due to chronic power outages and otherwise inadequate or nonexistent electrical service in many areas of Yemen, a small number of Yemenis are resorting to the use of solar energy. “People in rural areas began to use solar energy earlier than those in urban areas due to inadequate public electricity service in rural areas,” said Emad Al-Saqqaf, the director of Sehab Tech for Green Technology, a Yemeni company that supplies and installs solar energy systems.
Al-Saqqaf has installed solar energy systems in sports clubs and homes in several governorates.
“Businessmen working in the field of solar energy present the idea to rural residents…and convince them that it is an appropriate alternative because [the investment is only] about $1000 for households with moderate electricity usage,” he said.
Al-Saqqaf said that more people have been encouraged to use solar energy due to a 50 percent drop in the price of solar panels.
“The cost of one panel was $500 in 2013 but now it sells for $250,” Al-Saqqaf said.
In the long run, generators are more expensive because they of the fuel costs that accumulate, he added.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has sponsored about 12 solar energy projects in Marib, Aden, Abyan, Lahj and Sana’a governorates. Four of those projects were in Sana’ani sports clubs: Balqees, May 22, Al-Dhorafi and Azal, according to USAID Mission Director Herbie Smith. Smith said that USAID focuses on sports clubs as one way to support Yemen’s youth.
Finding a suitable place to fasten the solar panels is the main issue that people encounter, because each panel requires an 80 × 170 cm surface area. One panel, however, can power four light bulbs, a TV and a washing machine for six hours.
Engineer Majed Al-Basheri said that solar energy is a good option for individual homes. It is relatively expensive up front, however the life span of a panel is 10 years and the only cost is the initial investment.
Qaed Namran, a resident of the Jawba area of Marib, said that he is currently using solar energy in his house without any difficulty, and that, in his opinion, solar energy is the most suitable alternative for areas that lack public electrical service.
Namran said that a Marib businessman brought solar energy equipment into the area more than a year ago. Now, several middle-class residents have installed systems and are enjoying renewable solar energy in their homes.