*2.4. Energy Efficiency*

Energy efficiency is crucial for a sustainable energy strategy in Qatar, where all homes currently rely on fossil fuel-generated energy. Promoting energy efficiency is vital to reduce consumption, lower carbon emissions, and create a sustainable built environment [22]. By installing solar panels and implementing a net-zero strategy, homeowners are expected to shift towards using energy-efficient appliances and monitoring their energy usage [23]. Solar panel installation on Qatar's homes can transform the way homeowners consume energy. Producing their own energy raises awareness about consumption and environmental impact, fostering a greater appreciation for energy efficiency and a willingness to invest in low-energy appliances [23].

Furthermore, a net-zero strategy incentivizes energy efficiency through a feedback loop between production and consumption [23]. As homeowners become adept at generating their own energy, they become conscious of consumption patterns and take steps to reduce energy usage. This includes adopting energy-efficient habits, investing in efficient appliances, and monitoring consumption for potential savings. Therefore, promoting energy efficiency is vital for a sustainable energy strategy, especially in Qatar, where homes solely rely on fossil fuel-generated energy. Through solar panel installation and a net-zero approach, homeowners can enhance awareness, invest in efficient technologies, and contribute to a sustainable built environment [24]. Energy efficiency is essential for achieving a sustainable and energy-efficient future in Qatar.

#### *2.5. Lowering Electricity Subsidies*

Qatar can transition to a sustainable energy future by deploying solar panels on homes. Energy subsidies pose a challenge as the government provides free energy to citizens, hindering solar panel installation. However, the government can support panel installation to reduce non-clean energy use and subsidies [10,13]. This empowers homeowners to generate their own energy, reducing their reliance on non-clean sources [25]. It shifts the energy production burden from the government to individuals, lowering subsidies [10]. Homeowners can contribute to the grid and export excess energy, generating revenue [2]. Government support for solar panels demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and emission reduction, fosters environmental consciousness, and encourages investment in sustainable energy [25,26].

#### *2.6. Suitability*

The deployment of solar panels in Qatar can contribute significantly to achieving sustainability across the three main pillars: the economy, society, and the environment. Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that can support the economy by providing a new source of energy and sustaining the other available sources for future generations [10]. By investing in solar energy, the country can reduce its reliance on non-clean

sources of energy, which can reduce the costs associated with importing and transporting non-renewable fuels. This can, in turn, support economic growth and development [27]. Moreover, solar energy can benefit society by minimizing pollution, particularly carbon emissions. The use of solar panels can help reduce the amount of carbon particles in the air, which can lead to a healthier and more sustainable society. This can contribute to the overall well-being of the population, as reducing pollution can lead to a reduction in respiratory illnesses and other health issues [28]. By reducing the generation of CO2 from clean sources of energy, solar panels can contribute to a more sustainable environment that can be kept for future generations. This can also help reduce the negative impact of climate change on the environment and support the preservation of natural resources [29].

In order to effectively facilitate the implementation of the six drivers for solar panel deployment in Qatar, it is essential to carry out a field survey aimed at evaluating the viability of installing solar panels on different types of residential buildings. This survey will provide valuable insights to homeowners and decision-makers, enabling them to develop suitable scenarios for the installation and effective utilization of solar panels on domestic roofs in Qatar [30].

#### **3. Materials and Methods**

To evaluate the feasibility of installing solar panels on homes in Qatar, a survey was conducted using a manual approach with a structured interview sheet with closed-ended questions as the data collection method, based on the previous literature (as explained in Table 1). The reason for opting for manual surveying instead of remote sensing methods, such as the use of satellite images [31], is primarily due to cost, accessibility, and issues related to legal and ethical approvals. Additionally, the use of drones has been considered; however, as of now, drone surveying is not yet allowed in Qatar [32].

The survey aimed to gather data on the availability of space for solar panel installation, currently utilized space, remaining space, shading, and roof type. The use of a structured interview sheet with closed-ended questions provided a standardized approach to data collection and made the process more efficient. Closed-ended questions were used to collect quantitative data, which could be easily analyzed statistically to identify patterns and relationships in the data [33]. As shown in Figure 4, the research design consisted of four stages to complete the research project. The first stage was designing and testing the data collection instrument, which was the most important part of the research design. It involved identifying the main aspects to be included within the data collection instruments, and an interview sheet was established. Each item included had a justification, as shown in Table 1.

**Figure 4.** Research design [authors].


**Table 1.** Collected data and justification.

The second stage of the research design was the survey strategy. Since the majority of the country's population is based in Doha, the study selected areas to be included in the survey. Moreover, due to the fact that homes in similar neighborhoods typically have many similarities, the interview included asking the homeowners if nearby homes are similar to their own. This enabled achieving geographical representation as well as statistical representation to represent the whole number of homes in Qatar, which is expected to be around 365,000 domestic customers, according to KAHRAMAA's Annual Statistics Report 2021 [4].

The third stage of the research design involved data collection. To facilitate this process, the interview questions were digitized into an electronic form that allowed for convenient and efficient data collection on the spot [36]. This eliminated the need for further processing and streamlined the data collection process. Additionally, using an electronic form allowed for anonymous data storage, thereby ensuring the confidentiality of the participants [37]. Electronic data collection methods have become increasingly popular in recent years as they offer a range of advantages over traditional paper-based methods. For example, electronic forms can reduce the risk of errors and inconsistencies as well as improve the speed and efficiency of data collection. Furthermore, electronic forms can be easily stored and accessed, making it easier to analyze and interpret the data.

The final stage of the research design involved data analysis and the presentation of the findings. To achieve this task, Excel was used to plot graphs and perform the necessary statistical analyses to convert the collected data into meaningful information. Excel is a widely used spreadsheet software that can be used for data analysis and has many built-in statistical functions that can aid in the analysis process [38]. The use of Excel in data analysis has several advantages, such as the ability to handle large amounts of data, perform calculations efficiently, and present data in an easily understood way using graphs and charts [39]. Furthermore, the use of objective data in presenting research findings helps draw meaningful conclusions.
