The Solar Rooftop 500, SR500 mitigation activity (MA) will support the Moroccan government's efforts to meet its renewable energy targets by 2030 as a conditional action in its NDC. Aiming to accelerate the adoption of solar energy technology, this MA is taking a programmatic approach to support the installation of 500 MWp of new rooftop solar PV in the commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors by 2030. It focuses on self-consumption systems and includes components to address the financial barriers of high initial investment costs and the technical and organisational efforts that businesses face in implementing the solar energy technologies. The MA will also leverage an advanced, digital, and robust MRV platform to ensure transparency and accuracy in generating ITMOs. 

• The technology adopted in the activity will be Solar PV rooftops for self-consumption. 

• The activity is led by ACS Consulting (ACS), which is responsible for the operationalization and implementation of the solar rooftop projects in the industrial and commercial sectors in Morocco. It aims to thrive the adoption of solar energy technology, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to Morocco's renewable energy targets as outlined in its National Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement. 

• The activity is expected to create approximately 1'000 direct and 14'000 indirect employment opportunities through the execution of installation and maintenance activities.  It is also an opportunity to expand the solar market and encourage investment in the PV sector in Morocco. 

The Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development (MTEDD) plays a central role in the development and oversight of the MA in ensuring that the mitigation activity aligns with national policies and measures. Additionally, the Ministry's involvement ensures that the activity operates within legal and regulatory frameworks. Through close collaboration and coordination with the Ministry, the activity will be guided by governmental strategies and initiatives, contributing to Morocco's broader renewable energy targets and climate objectives. 

This solar activity represents a pivotal initiative to expand the solar market and attract investments into the photovoltaic (PV) sector in Morocco. Without the Solar Rooftop 500, SR500 mitigation activity the industrial and commercial sectors would continue to rely heavily on conventional energy sources, for their electricity needs, and the energy mix would remain dominated by coal, natural gas, and oil, contributing to high carbon emissions and environmental degradation.  

In the absence of support mechanisms, the trajectory for rooftop solar PV in the industrial and commercial sectors is expected to mirror recent years' trends. Therefore, in the MA's baseline scenario (Business As Usual, BAU), the autonomous trajectory of total installed capacity is projected to be nearly zero. Capacity evolution will primarily happen within the MA framework, which provides financial incentives (carbon revenues) to overcome the financial as well as technical and observational obstacles blocking the deployment of the MA. 

The transition to solar power contributes to a decrease in air pollution associated with fossil fuel consumption. Embracing solar energy aligns with global sustainability goals, elevating a country's reputation for responsible environmental stewardship and commitment to a cleaner, greener future.