**4. Results**

Given the homogeneity of homes in Qatar [40], the use of a cluster sampling plan [41] enabled the surveying of 10 different areas in Doha, with a total of 50 homes physically surveyed from these areas, resulting in a total sample of 1068 similar homes in the same street or compound, as shown in Table 2. This sample size is considered larger than the typically required sample of 384 from the total population of 365,000, ensuring a statistically representative sample [42].



Table 3 summarizes the survey results.



The survey findings indicate that the majority of homes in the area are relatively spacious, with 40% being five-bedroom homes and 20% being four-bedroom homes. The remaining 40% comprise three- and two-bedroom homes. The average total size of the homes is 244 square meters, which is quite substantial.

Regarding the features on the roofs of these homes, all houses have water tanks, and a significant majority (80%) have external AC units and satellite dishes installed. However, storage sheds are less common, present on only 10% of houses, and solar panels for water heating are found on 20% of homes.

Approximately 59% of the roof space remains empty after accounting for the mentioned items, suggesting that over 50% of houses have enough available space to potentially accommodate solar panel installations.

Furthermore, it appears that roofs are rarely used for recreational purposes, with 90% of respondents confirming that their roofs are not utilized for any other activities, likely due to the hot climate and modern indoor lifestyles. This means that if solar panels were installed on the roofs, they would not interfere with daily activities in the homes.

An important consideration for solar panel installation is the roof orientation. Fortunately, all the roofs in the area are flat, making them suitable for solar panel placement to maximize energy generation.

Moreover, the majority of houses have a height ranging from 7 to 10 m, with an average height of 9 m. This height distribution indicates that there is a low likelihood of shading or obstruction of sunlight, which is favorable for solar energy generation.

Finally, the survey revealed that 70% of surveyed houses do not have nearby buildings, trees, or other objects that may cause shading, while 30% reported potential shading issues. Overall, these results demonstrate a high potential for solar PV installation in the area to generate an optimal amount of clean energy.

#### **5. Discussion**

The presented results indicate that Qatari homes are highly germane to the installation of solar panels due to their relatively large area and spaciousness. The study found that 50% or more of the roof space is available for solar panel installation without interfering with the daily activities of the homeowners. This is in line with a previous study, which reported that most Qatari homes have spacious rooftops with significant potential for solar panel installation [43]. Moreover, the study found that there are limited problems caused by shading from trees or tall neighboring structures. This is because most Qatari homes are of similar height in wholly residential neighborhoods; thus, they are not typically in proximity to obstructions that could otherwise block sunlight, as reported by the homeowners. However, if there is latent shading, solar panels can be installed in locations that provide a minimum degree of shading and the best sun view. This is consistent with the findings of a study [43], which indicated that shading can be minimized by choosing the best location for solar panel installation. Additionally, solar PV arrays can themselves be used as shading devices, thus reducing direct solar heat gain by homes (while having unimpeded exposure to sunlight for power generation) and thus reducing the latent energy demand required for cooling [44].

The study also discovered that the prevalence of flat roofs on Qatari homes offers several benefits for solar panel installation, as depicted in Figure 5. These flat roofs offer easy access for technicians during installation and allow for the adjustment of panel orientation to maximize energy generation, a crucial factor impacting performance. Moreover, flat roofs support the use of automatic platforms for sun tracking, significantly enhancing energy generation—unlike angled roofs, which have limitations in this regard. Tracking systems can boost energy production by up to 25%, a valuable advantage, particularly in regions with high solar irradiance like Qatar [45,46].

Furthermore, the high similarities between homes in Qatar [40], as shown in Figure 6, enable the establishment of an easy strategy for technical teams to replicate the installation design in similar homes, which can reduce time costs and achieve the intended deployments within a realistic timescale. The similarities between homes can make it easier for homeowners to make the decision to install solar panels, as they can see examples

of installations on homes similar to theirs, and installers will become highly proficient in installing required arrays and equipment in similar types of structures. This is in line with previous research on the benefits of standardization in building design for renewable energy adoption. For example, a study [47] found that standardizing building design can facilitate the integration of renewable energy systems, particularly in residential buildings. Another study [47] found that standardizing building design can reduce the cost of renewable energy systems by streamlining the installation process.

**Figure 5.** Example of a surveyed home roof.

**Figure 6.** Example of structural homogeneity of Qatari homes.

The outcomes from this study complement previous research conducted by the authors, aimed at establishing the analytical feasibility of deploying solar panels on Qatar's houses [2]. The primary objective was to calculate various solar panel deployment scenarios using analytical methods, considering different panel sizes, efficiency, and daily sun exposure. These scenarios were then compared to estimate the generated energy and its comparison with actual consumption over a twelve month period. The findings revealed the most viable scenarios that enable homes in Qatar to sufficiently generate solar energy to cover their consumption. Moreover, there is a high possibility that surplus energy generated during the low season can be exported to areas experiencing high energy demands, such as the Western world. This potential not only benefits Qatar but also supports global efforts towards transitioning to clean energy, providing a valuable solution for energy crises [48].

Hence, the findings of this study support the potential for solar panel installation on Qatari homes. With their spaciousness, limited shading, and flat roofs, Qatari homes are ideally suited for solar panel installation. This aligns with the Qatari government's ambitious goal of generating 200 MW of solar energy by 2022 [49]. By encouraging and facilitating the installation of solar panels on homes, Qatar can move towards a more sustainable future. This should begin with pilot projects involving the installation of solar panels on real homes to gather actual information on their performance, taking into account factors such as solar radiation, temperature, and dust that might reduce generation potential. This is essential to ensure optimal and sustainable performance [50].

#### **6. Conclusions**

The study has successfully achieved its primary objective of assessing the suitability of Qatari homes for solar panel installation. The obtained results are highly promising and offer significant value to various stakeholders involved in decision-making regarding the deployment of solar panels in residential areas. Furthermore, these findings hold invaluable importance for the parties responsible for the deployment, as they can utilize them to develop a comprehensive national strategy for replicating the deployment plan in different regions, considering the high similarities observed among homes in Qatar. These findings also complement and align with past research efforts conducted using analytical means.

However, to draw a definitive conclusion, it is recommended to conduct real pilot projects involving the installation of solar panels on actual homes and gather additional information on their performance in situ. This should include aspects like solar radiation, temperature, air quality (as dust can reduce generation potential), connectivity with the main grid, storage, and all relevant variables. Such an approach will yield crucial insights into potential challenges that may arise during installation and usage, thereby enabling the formulation of practical solutions based on user experiences and operational evidence.

Despite the potential difficulties that may arise, the positive outcomes of this study indicate a promising future for solar panel installation on Qatari homes. By implementing such initiatives, Qatari households can effectively reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the creation of a greener and more sustainable environment for future generations. This will undoubtedly play a significant role in Qatar's commitment to clean energy and global efforts towards combating climate change.

**Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, A.B. and Z.H.; methodology, A.B. and Z.H.; investigation, A.B.; writing—original draft preparation, A.B.; writing—review and editing, Z.H.; supervision, M.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** This research received no external funding.

**Institutional Review Board Statement:** Not applicable.

**Informed Consent Statement:** Not applicable.

**Data Availability Statement:** The data can be shared upon request.

**Acknowledgments:** The authors would like to thank all homeowners who participated in this study.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.
