Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced the launch of a new web application for its Shams Dubai initiative.

In a statement, DEWA said that the new app, called Shams Dubai Calculator, will help customers make decisions related to the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels on their rooftops.

Through the app, DEWA seeks to encourage the residents of Dubai to participate in the emirate’s campaign to reduce its carbon footprint by providing users with detailed comparisons and useful information about Shams Dubai.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and chief executive officer of DEWA, commented: “At DEWA, we work according to the vision of our wise leadership, which is a road map that guides our work, initiatives, and projects aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE and Dubai.

“This contributes positively and effectively to achieving the Smart Dubai initiative, launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world and the Dubai Plan 2021, to establish Dubai as a sustainable city, whose environmental elements are clean, healthy, and sustainable.”

Al Tayer noted that the app is intended for DEWA customers who are interested in producing electricity from solar power under the Shams Dubai initiative.

He explained that by providing only their account numbers, customers can identify the location of their buildings and rooftops through an interactive map. They can measure the usable area, number of panels, and their total capacity on a monthly or annual basis.

Using interactive tools, the customer can map out specific areas without the need to calculate the whole rooftop usable area, Al Tayer added.

The interactive map can also help the customer obtain information, like green charger locations and other Shams Dubai projects within the customer’s neighbourhood. Results can also be shared through social media channels.

According to DEWA, customers can check its website for information on the calculator app and on the conditions required for the installation of solar panels on the roofs of buildings, in addition to names of contractors and consultants who have the accreditation needed to carry out the installation.