Massader was selected by the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) to develop a national program to develop solar PV systems on the rooftops of public schools and universities in Palestine.

The Schools Rooftop Program will cover 500 public schools across Palestine as a first stage, with a total generation capacity of 35 MW implemented over 3 years in 10 phases.

Under the program, Massader will mobilize financing for the development of the rooftop solar systems. The electricity generated from the plants will cover the relevant schools’ electricity consumption based on a net metering scheme, with excess electricity generated sold to Palestine’s electricity distribution companies at competitive rates compared to electricity imported from Israel.

The investment size of this project is estimated at $35 million. Financing has been arranged from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) with a $15 million loan, from the European Investment Bank (EIB) with an $18 million loan, and a $2 million grant from the World Bank.

The development model is established based on a partnership between Massader and electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) through 3 project companies (SPVs) which are leading the development of the solar plants. The SPVs signed power purchase agreements (PPA) with DISCOs and will be the vehicle for operations and maintenance agreements.

The rooftop solar program will provide several benefits for the involved stakeholders. For the Ministry of Education, the program will create significant savings in the cost of electricity bills for public schools. The program is projected to cover part of the schools’ electricity expenses, as well as generate small petty cash amounts. Further, the program will have a broader, systemic impact by creating awareness of green power in public schools and weaving sustainable energy practices into Palestine’s teaching environment.

The program will also generate benefits for Palestinian electricity distribution companies by making electricity available at lower costs than what is currently available from Israel, in addition to reducing technical losses. At the national level, the program brings Palestine closer to energy independence and strengthens the country’s commitment to renewable energy.