Oman’s Authority for Electricity regulation (AER) has opted expressions of interest (EOI) to provide and operate an integrated risk management system to ease the installation of rooftop solar panels on residential households across Oman.

The action intent to promote the distribution of renewable energy in Oman and is unit of the Sahim scheme which strengthen homeowners in Oman to generate their own power through solar.

AER has spotted the experience requirements expected of an entity which will operate the system on its behalf and ensure the systems are installed, commissioned and operated in an efficient manner, stated a press release.

“Sahim 2 desires to drive the wide-scale deployment of small-scale PV systems at between ten per cent and 30 per cent of residential premises by acquiring funding solutions,” said Qais bin Saud al Zakwani, executive director and member of AER.

“The current subsidised residential tariffs distort the benefits and put small-scale PV installations at a disadvantage. We are looking to unlock the perks for Oman by securing funding for interested customers whose premises meet specific technical criteria.” Zakwani said that the authority would nominate a reputable company to monitor and maintain an integrated system.

The costs of residential PV systems will not be met by customers but by private sector entities who will recover related costs through contracts with licensed suppliers.

The private PV system providers will compete to fund, procure, install, own, operate and maintain PV systems at residential premises appointed by the authority.

Zakwani also revealed that AER was focused to ensure the involvement of local SMEs in Sahim 2.