The Gaza Strip leads its solar revolution

On the roofs of Gaza, solar panels have multiplied in recent years. In a fish farm, by the sea, a few kilometers from the city center, it has even become the main source of energy. “Solar electricity is the backbone of our project. We rely on it to provide oxygen to fish, in addition to drawing and pumping water from the sea”explains Yasser Al-Hajj, the owner of the farm, on Tuesday, October 4. “Our electricity bill went from 43,800 euros per month to 11,700 euros per month”he rejoices.

Solar panels allow Palestinians to be less dependent on Israel for their energy consumption. Today, 62% of the electricity used in Gaza comes from Israeli power lines, dating back to when Jewish families lived in the enclave. The rest depends on fuel imports, which are also controlled by the Jewish state. In Gaza, residents live on average with 10 hours of electricity a day, suffering daily cuts.