Etihad Solar is to design and install rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for 640 villas in Dubai, which will be the project of its kind in the region.

Once completed, the solar panels will be connected to the Dubai Water and Electricity Authority’s (Dewa) main grid through the Shams Dubai programme.

The villas are in Hatta and are being built as part of a Dh1.3-billion ($354 million) development plan for the area.  

Etihad Solar is a division of Etihad Esco, established to distribute innovative solar power generation solutions in the UAE.

“We are pleased to support the leadership’s vision to transform Dubai into one of the most sustainable cities in the world. For Hatta, it will be the largest rooftop solar PV project in the region,” remarked Ali Al Jassim, the chief executive of Etihad Esco. “Under this landmark tender, we will be installing rooftop solar PVs at villas in Hatta, and provide maintenance services for two years thereafter. Besides these, we will also look into solutions for reducing water consumption.

“We look forward to adopting the best electricity and water technologies and promoting partnerships with the private sector to achieve the goals under Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to reach clean energy targets of 25 per cent by 2030, and 75 per cent by 2050.”