Saudi Arabia’s Solar PV Potential: A Pathway to Sustainable Energy Exports

This research investigates Saudi Arabia’s commercial photovoltaic potential. Using the country’s city Sakaka as a case study, this research highlights its role in driving sustainability, affordable energy and fostering long-term economic growth. Based on available solar resources and numerous cost datasets, a grid-connected PV plant rated at 100 MW is modeled and simulated via the System Advisor Model (SAM). The simulation reveals a promising energy yield of 2706 KWh/KW with a performance ratio of 79%. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) calculates to 2.06 ¢/KWh, indicating strong cost-effectiveness compared to gas and oil-based electricity generation. Using the 100 MW Sakaka PV plant as a reference model, the study confirms that such projects are replicable across other high-irradiance regions in Saudi Arabia. This would support the Kingdom’s transition toward renewable energy and enable its vision for cross-border electricity export to GCC nations.