Phase 1 of Palestine's 'rooftop solar power for schools' initiative has been inaugurated at a school in Deir Dibwan near Ramallah by the Palestine Investment Fund (PIF). While the agency did not specify how much capacity Phase I covers, the government is looking at installation of a total capacity of 38 MW to cover 500 public schools under its Noor Palestine program.
In April 2018, PIF issued an expression of interest seeking EPC contractors for the project whose total capacity back then was pinned at 35 MW (see EOI Call For 35 MW Rooftop PV In Palestine).
Facilities installed will generate clean energy for self-consumption of school buildings which will then sell the surplus to distribution companies. Special purpose companies were established for these projects by PIF; for instance InJaz AlQuds Solar Company was established in partnership with the Jerusalem Electricity Company to set up projects within the operating region of the utility.
Through this program, the country expects participating schools to reduce their electricity bill by $1.2 million annually. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing 50% of project financing for the rooftop solar initiative (see €670 Million From EIB For Renewable Energy). Palestine is also in talks with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to cover funding for the remaining part.
Under its Noor Palestine Solar Program, the country is aiming to produce 200 MW of solar power with an investment of up to $200 million by 2026 which would be enough to cover 17% of Palestine's electricity needs. In May 2018, PIF's impact investment arm for energy and infrastructure Massader selected China's ET Solar to develop 2 solar power parks with 16.5 MW total capacity in Jericho and Tubas (see ET Solar To Develop 16.5 MW PV In Palestine).