Oman is aiming to add around 4 GW of renewable generation capacity by 2030.

British smart energy management provider, PassivSystems has signed a contract with Oman’s Authority for Electricity Regulation (AER) to consult on the development of up to 1 GW of rooftop residential solar PV in the Sultanate.

The AER’s plan, called “Sahim Phase 1”, is to install solar PV arrays on 30% of Oman’s residential buildings over the next few years. The model that the AER is pursuing is a funded ownership one, whereby homeowners have minimal capital outlay and access to generous financial incentives to install solar PV.

Funding for the project is expected to come from a variety of private investors, and PassivSystems’ involvement will see the British firm utilize its experience of managing vast portfolios of residential solar systems in the U.K.

The contract outlines how the two firms will identify and manage risks, with PassivSystems working on drawing up robust RfPs, analyzing the country’s legal models and refining the customer experience and proposition.

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The pilot scheme is targeting the sale and installation of between 1,000 and 3,000 PV systems, before scaling to as many as 250,000 homes across Oman.

“This is an exciting initiative and I applaud the Sultanante for embracing renewable energy on such a broad scale,” said PassivSystems’ chief executive Colin Calder. “We will be working closely with the AER to ensure that this project moves forward from a vision to a reality, based on a sound financial model.”

Oman’s solar efforts are beginning to take shape. Earlier this month the nation’s Oman Power and Water Procurement Company revealed that it had received 28 requests for qualification to tender up to 500 MW of solar PV in the nation.