Effat University initiates Solar Energy training program

Aligning its mission with one of the key aims of Vision 2030, Effat University has introduced a Solar Energy training program to enable students and faculty members acquire the knowledge and the experience to diversify and capitalize on renewable energy sources.

This project involves the installation of a grid-connected 20.15 kWp rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The design and engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of the PV Solar system is being undertaken by AlTaqaa - Zahid Company, Saudi Arabia’s leading environmentally responsible provider of alternative energy solutions;

“Effat University is committed to supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to ensure a sustainable non-oil dependent future for the Kingdom, said Dr. Haifa Jamal Al-Lail, President of Effat University.

“In our search for constructive solutions we have identified this Solar Energy program as a platform to train our students and faculty researchers on the design, installation, operations and maintenance of real-world solar energy projects, enabling women engineers to play a key role in the National Transformation Plan.”

The technical specifications are 20.15 kWp (Project A: 10.4kWp + Project B: 9.75kWp) rooftop system using grid tied solar panels, 3 phase, 380V, 60 Hz along with Inverters, Mounting Structure, Ballasting, AC / DC Cables and Monitoring System. The supply and installation of feeder cables (maximum 50 meters for each feeder) up to customer LV Switchgear, and the supply and installation of a weather station.

The agreement with AlTaqaa includes training for two groups of students during installation, commissioning and monitoring of the PV plant. Each group has 10 students and three faculty members from Effat University’s Engineering and Architecture departments, and the Master of Energy Engineering program.

Effat University is the first in the Kingdom to introduce a Masters in Energy Engineering degree. The program is designed to provide students with the skills they need to succeed in the professional fields of traditional and sustainable energy, two industries that are vital to the future of Saudi Arabia and fertile ground for the employment of educated energy professionals. The program offers two tracks: Petroleum Engineering and Renewable Energy.

The Solar Energy program will provide Effat students and researchers with the actual data derived from the installed solar system to support their research and comparative studies about energy systems. The knowledge, experience and lessons learned will be shared with the Effat community and the external community in general.

Established in 1999 as the first non-profit educational institute specialized in offering higher education for girls in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Effat University today is renowned  as a center of excellence where researchers from different fields collaborate in building and expanding the knowledge base to add future value to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.