Easing the approval requirements for the installation of rooftop solar panels is the first step towards Dubai achieving its goal of solar panels on every rooftop by 2030. As The National reported yesterday, approved contractors received an email notification from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) that certain requirements were no longer necessary for the no-objection certificate stage. Processing time for approval was also cut.
This will potentially trim construction time by up to a month, shortening a long process that has previously added one more obstacle to installing solar rooftop panels. According to Simon Brennan of the solar contracting company SES Solar, solar panels would typically take about three weeks to instal in the United Kingdom.
But there is more to be done to encourage people to instal solar panels in their homes and commercial buildings. Many factors push people away from solar, but the high cost of installing solar panels must also be the major hurdle. Even with falling prices, a small system with peak capacity of five kilowatts is about Dh27,000 to commission, meaning it will take years for the user to obtain a return on their investment.
Streamlining the process will perhaps also require an initial subsidy by the Government or easier financing options, such as the ones being discussed under the Green Deal crowd-sourcing platform, which gives home owners easy access to attractive financing options. For there to be significant solar uptake, consumers need to feel that it’s an easy process to undertake and that it is financially feasible.
Ultimately, education is also essential in getting more people on board. Authorities can do more to raise awareness in the community. As suggested by Karel de Winter, general manager of Alsa Solar, Dewa can promote the benefits of solar roofs when sending customers information about their electricity and water bills. If more people realised the critical role renewables play in achieving a sustainable future, more of them will go solar.
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
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Dubai World Cup prize money
Group 1 (Purebred Arabian) 2000m Dubai Kahayla Classic - $750,000
Group 2 1,600m(Dirt) Godolphin Mile - $750,000
Group 2 3,200m (Turf) Dubai Gold Cup – $750,000
Group 1 1,200m (Turf) Al Quoz Sprint – $1,000,000
Group 2 1,900m(Dirt) UAE Derby – $750,000
Group 1 1,200m (Dirt) Dubai Golden Shaheen – $1,500,000
Group 1 1,800m (Turf) Dubai Turf – $4,000,000
Group 1 2,410m (Turf) Dubai Sheema Classic – $5,000,000
Group 1 2,000m (Dirt) Dubai World Cup– $12,000,000
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
MATCH INFO
Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)
Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
