Introduction
Qatar enjoys one of the world’s highest solar irradiation levels, exceeding 2,000-kilowatt hours per square metre per year. This natural blessing makes solar energy exceptionally viable and cost competitive. The Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy, launched by KAHRAMAA in coordination with 22 key energy actors, aims to increase large-scale renewable power generation to 4 gigawatts by 2030, with distributed solar generation reaching 200 megawatts.
At the heart of this distributed generation ambition lies the BeSolar service, launched by KAHRAMAA in August 2024. This initiative enables customers to install solar energy systems and benefit from a net billing mechanism, allowing them to generate electricity on site while exporting surplus power to the national grid.
How the BeSolar Net Billing Mechanism Works
The BeSolar service operates through a sophisticated net billing system. When a customer installs solar panels, the electricity generated is first used to meet the facility’s own consumption needs. Any surplus electricity is exported to the national grid through a bidirectional smart meter that accurately measures both consumed and exported power. KAHRAMAA purchases this surplus at a fixed rate of QR 0.237 per kilowatt-hour and credits the amount to the customer’s subsequent electricity bills. This mechanism reduces monthly utility expenses and allows customers to recover part of their installation costs.
KAHRAMAA offers flexible solar installation options tailored to different facility types. These include rooftop photovoltaic systems for optimal efficiency, solar canopies over parking areas that provide both electricity and shade, and ground mounted systems suitable for large-scale projects. All installations are connected to the grid with bidirectional smart meters, ensuring compliance with technical and safety standards.
Real World Impact: The First BeSolar Customer
The practical benefits of the BeSolar service have been demonstrated through real world implementation. Al Taadhod Trading and Contracting Group became the first customer to inaugurate the BeSolar service. The group reported to have installed around 819 solar panels across a building area of 4,900 square metres, with a production capacity of up to 369 kilowatts peak, covering approximately 70 percent of the building’s electricity consumption.
This achievement enabled significant operational cost savings and enhanced environmental sustainability through reduced grid dependence, the ability to export surplus electricity, and contributing to carbon emission reduction. The project demonstrates the potential for distributed solar to deliver both environmental benefits and operational cost savings.
From an environmental and strategic perspective, the BeSolar service supports Qatar’s efforts to transition to a low carbon economy and increase the share of renewable energy in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 targets.
The BeSolar Service and Workforce Development
The BeSolar service also contributes to workforce development by creating training and certification requirements for solar PV contractors. KAHRAMAA has established a rigorous qualification process for contractors, requiring them to complete training, pass an examination, and undergo a field visit before receiving certification.
To become an authorised contractor, applicants must be an authorised electrical contractor with KAHRAMAA, meet experience and personnel requirements, prepare necessary documents, and sign a self-declaration form. The qualification process is designed to support compliance with KAHRAMAA’s technical, quality and safety requirements.
The workforce development dimension extends beyond contractors to encompass broader societal benefits. The Ministry of Awqaf has conducted training sessions under KAHRAMAA’s BeSolar initiative to promote awareness of solar energy and strengthen national expertise in renewable energy technologies. The development of solar-sector skills and technical capabilities is broadly aligned with SDG 8’s emphasis on productive employment, skills development and sustainable economic growth.
The BeSolar Service and Qatar’s National Renewable Energy Strategy
The BeSolar service is an important component of Qatar’s implementation of the Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy, which aims to expand renewable energy adoption and build a sustainable energy system. The strategy focuses on reducing carbon dioxide emissions, increasing renewable energy penetration while maintaining grid stability, and maximising socio economic benefits.
The strategy sets ambitious targets, including deploying 4 gigawatts of utility scale renewable energy by 2030, primarily through solar photovoltaic technology, and increasing the share of renewables in the national energy mix from 5 percent to 18 percent. The recommended power mix will have a significant impact in reducing 10 percent of Qatar’s total annual carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector and reducing carbon intensity by 27 percent for each unit of electricity produced. It is expected to reduce the average cost of electricity generation by 15 percent by 2030.
The distributed generation capacity enabled by the BeSolar service will allow more localised power generation, reducing strain on centralised grid infrastructure and enhancing energy resilience. This dual approach combining utility scale solar farms with distributed generation systems ensures that Qatar’s energy transition is both comprehensive and resilient.
Contractor Certification and Regulatory Compliance
Navigating the BeSolar application process requires working with KAHRAMAA authorised contractors. KAHRAMAA has established a rigorous qualification process for contractors to ensure quality and safety standards are maintained. Interested customers can contact one of KAHRAMAA’s authorised contractors, who will handle the entire process from application through to installation and grid connection.
The contractor will follow up on the request and obtain initial approval, prepare the technical design, and upon approval for connection, install the solar system. Once installation is complete, the contractor will notify KAHRAMAA to connect the customer to smart meters and start generating solar energy.
KAHRAMAA has opened registration for qualifying contractors and licensing them to install distributed solar energy systems. The contractor must attend training, pass an examination, and go on a field visit. Upon completion, the contractor will receive certification and the contracting company will be licensed to install distributed solar energy systems.
ICELIS Global: Your Strategic BeSolar Partner
Navigating the BeSolar application process, understanding the financial modelling, selecting the right contractor, and ensuring full regulatory compliance requires expert guidance. That is where ICELIS Global comes in.
ICELIS Global is a dedicated sustainability and ESG advisory consulting firm committed to helping organisations capitalise on Qatar’s renewable energy opportunities. Our expertise spans regulatory compliance advisory, solar project feasibility analysis, contractor selection and oversight, net billing financial modelling, and sustainability strategy development.
Our dedicated team helps companies assess the technical and economic feasibility of solar installations, navigate KAHRAMAA’s regulatory requirements, and guarantee consistent compliance with all applicable standards. We reduce project friction by providing targeted advisory and implementation support that improves approval timelines, strengthens project bankability, and maximises the financial returns from the BeSolar service.
Contact us today and let us guide you through Qatar’s distributed solar energy landscape.
References
- Qatar News Agency, ‘Kahramaa Launches Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy’ (27 April 2024) qna.org.qa accessed 1 September 2026
- Qatar News Agency, ‘Kahramaa Supports First “Be Solar” Customer’ (10 December 2025) qna.org.qa accessed 1 September 2026
- The Peninsula, ‘KAHRAMAA launches BeSolar service for distributed solar energy systems’ (18 August 2024) thepeninsulaqatar.com accessed 1 September 2026
- The Peninsula, ‘Kahramaa’s BeSolar service boosts Qatar’s shift to renewable energy’ (12 April 2026) thepeninsulaqatar.com accessed 1 September 2026
- The Peninsula, ‘Ministry of Awqaf in push to advance sustainability’ (14 June 2026) thepeninsulaqatar.com accessed 1 September 2026
- GCC Business News, ‘KAHRAMAA unveils BeSolar for installing distributed solar energy systems’ (19 August 2024) gccbusinessnews.com accessed 1 September 2026
- Qatar News Agency, ‘مدير تخطيط وتطوير الإنتاج بـ كهرماء لـ قنا: ارتفاع إنتاج الطاقة المتجددة بقطر إلى 18% في عام 2030 من 5% حاليا’ (29 June 2024) qna.org.qa accessed 1 September 2026