C h a l l e n g e s F a c i n g t h e A p p l i c a t i o n o f Z e r o – E n e r g y H o m e s
417
Figure 2: Factors described by the construction industry professionals to be on the bottom of their
priority list
In terms of renewable energy resources, Saudi Arabia has enormous potential for solar
energy across the country and for wind energy along the coastline. Anon (1999)
indicates that Saudi Arabia annually receives around 3245 sunshine hours accounting
for a solar radiation figure of over 2200 kWh/m². It has vast open terrain as well as a long
coastline, with significant potential for wind power. Despite the significant potential for
solar and wind power, these resources have not been exploited as yet. The state of
affairs can be attributed to a number of barriers. This survey tends to highlight the
barriers hindering the utilization of these resources in the Saudi residential sector (see
Table 1). The results show high acceptability from users to utilize renewable energy
resources within their future dwellings. It also shows that photovoltaic panels are more
attractive to users than micro-wind turbines. Furthermore, about 47% of users accepted
purchasing electricity from renewable energy resources if the price stays the same, while
about 28% of them accepted even if it a bit costly than purchasing it from the
conventional resources.
Table 1: Barriers to promote ZEHs in Saudi Arabia
Type
Barrier
Energy-
efficiency
measures
•
Lack of awareness about the energy-efficiency measures
such as the glazing system, the thermal insulation, the
energy-saving lighting fixtures, and energy-efficient
appliances and its rating
•
Cheap electricity tariff
•
Personal passiveness to buy the energy-saving fixtures
•
Unclear maintenance responsibility
•
Lack of expertise in efficient-buildings
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
Cost
Modernity
Construction/
Development
time
Architectural
outfit
Quality and
durability
Safety
Sustainability
