The government’s target to increase renewable energy capacity to 4GW by 2030 reflects a shift in thinking that could unlock new opportunities for rooftop solar businesses
Qatar’s energy sector is approaching a significant milestone. Long defined by its dominance in liquefied natural gas (LNG), the country is now making measured steps toward diversifying its energy mix.
Among the most promising developments is the emergence of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) businesses, supported by a combination of abundant solar resources and a gradually evolving policy framework. While Qatar’s commitment to renewables remains more cautious than that of its Gulf neighbours, the conditions for growth in rooftop solar are beginning to take shape.
The country’s solar potential is considerable. Qatar receives an average of 9.5 hours of sunshine per day, and its global horizontal irradiance (GHI) reaches approximately 2,140 kWh per square metre annually. These figures place Qatar among the more favourable environments globally for solar PV systems. With such high solar irradiance levels year-round, the country is well-positioned to harness solar energy at scale.
This natural advantage is now being matched, albeit slowly, by policy signals that suggest a growing interest in clean energy deployment. The government’s target to increase renewable energy capacity to 4GW by 2030, as outlined in its latest national development strategy, marks a significant step forward. However, it falls well short of Saudi Arabia’s revised Vision 2030 goal of 130GW and the UAE’s planned 19.8GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Nonetheless, it reflects a shift in thinking that could unlock new opportunities for rooftop solar businesses.
Qatar receives an average of 9.5 hours of sunshine per day, and its global horizontal irradiance (GHI) reaches approximately 2,140 kWh per square metre annually
Climate commitments
More broadly, the state's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency represent a policy direction that supports the deployment of distributed solar systems, including rooftop PV.
Qatar has committed to reducing its GHG emissions by 25% by 2030, as outlined in its National Climate Change Action Plan and aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030. The plan includes over 30 mitigation measures and more than 300 adaptation actions across sectors such as energy, transport, and construction.
These targets reflect a pragmatic, sector-specific approach to emissions reduction that prioritises operational and technological innovation over symbolic commitments. The launch of the 2024–2030 Strategy by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) further strengthens this agenda, with a focus on institutional coordination, public engagement, and emissions monitoring.
Market conditions
For businesses and investors, rooftop solar development offers a compelling proposition. Qatar's urban density, high electricity consumption, and growing awareness of sustainability create favourable conditions for rooftop installations. Commercial buildings, residential compounds, and public infrastructure all present viable sites for solar deployment.
Traditional fishing boats in front of Doha's skyscrapers.
Moreover, the regulatory environment is becoming more accommodating. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) now allows for 100% foreign ownership of limited liability companies (LLCs), including those focused on solar installation, maintenance, and sales. Licensing is managed by Kahramaa, which oversees contractor and consultant approvals, while environmental permits are issued by MECC.
Operational models such as leasing and ownership transfer at the end of lease terms are already in place, and further legislative support is expected. Kahramaa is preparing additional guidance to clarify operational and compliance requirements, which will further facilitate market entry and expansion for rooftop solar businesses. These developments suggest that Qatar is laying the groundwork for a more dynamic solar market, even if progress remains incremental.
Barriers to uptake
However, the opportunities must be weighed against the challenges. Qatar's rooftop solar market is still in its early stages, and several structural and behavioural barriers remain. Public awareness of solar energy is limited, and uptake among residential consumers has been slow. The dominance of subsidised electricity, which keeps prices artificially low, reduces the financial incentive for households and businesses to invest in solar systems. Without meaningful tariff reform or targeted subsidies for solar adoption, the economic case for rooftop PV remains constrained.
Institutional inertia also plays a role. Qatar's energy sector has long been centralised, with decision-making concentrated in a few key entities. While recent reforms have introduced greater flexibility, the pace of change remains slow. The absence of net metering policies, feed-in tariffs, or clear incentives for distributed generation limits the appeal of rooftop solar for many potential adopters.
Moreover, the regulatory framework, though improving, still lacks the clarity and responsiveness needed to support rapid growth. Licensing procedures can be opaque, and coordination between agencies is not always seamless. Foreign investors may find the process manageable, but not frictionless. Greater transparency and streamlined approvals will be essential if Qatar is to attract sustained investment in rooftop solar.
The minaret of Katara Mosque, known as Qatar's Turquoise Mosque, in Doha on July 15, 2025. Qatar welcomes millions of visitors every year.
Grounds for optimism
Despite these challenges, there are reasons for optimism. Qatar's broader sustainability agenda, which includes commitments under the Paris Agreement and its National Climate Change Action Plan, provides a foundation for future expansion. The country's updated Nationally Determined Contribution reaffirms its alignment with global climate goals and its intention to play a proactive regional role in addressing climate risks. These efforts are reflected in tangible achievements such as the replacement of over 70% of public transport buses with electric vehicles. Rooftop solar fits well within this scope, offering a visible and scalable solution that aligns with Qatar's aspirations for energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, regional dynamics may spur further progress. As Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to invest heavily in renewables, Qatar faces growing pressure to keep pace. The Arabian Gulf's energy transition is no longer a theoretical exercise but a competitive arena in which reputational and strategic considerations matter. Rooftop solar, with its relatively low barriers to entry and high visibility, offers Qatar a way to demonstrate commitment without overextending its resources.
The road ahead
To realise its full potential, Qatar will need to embrace an even more proactive approach. This would entail developing a clear policy framework for distributed solar, introducing financial incentives to encourage adoption, and investing in public awareness campaigns. It also requires creating mechanisms for greater coordination between regulatory bodies, such as a centralised "one-stop shop" for permitting or regular inter-agency task forces.
At the same time, Qatar needs to engage with private sector actors, as partners in the energy transition, rather than confining them to large, state-led tenders. For example, regulatory sandboxes could provide a safe space for companies to test new business models for distributed solar and storage, paving the way for deployment once regulations mature.
Qatar's rooftop solar market is not yet a mature sector, but it is no longer a speculative one. The conditions for growth are emerging, and the opportunities are real. With the right mix of policy support, regulatory reform, and strategic investment, rooftop solar could become a pillar of Qatar's energy future. Progress may be measured, but the direction of travel is becoming increasingly clear.
