Shahidani Azadi Mosque
Second Sulaymaniyah mosque switches to solar power
SULAYMANIYAH — The Shahidani Azadi Mosque in Sulaymaniyah has embraced renewable energy by installing a solar power system capable of generating 50 kilowatts, marking a significant step towards sustainability in the region’s religious facilities.
Located in eastern Sulaymaniyah, the historical Shahidani Azadi Mosque now features 107 solar panels on its rooftop, each with a capacity of 505 watts, totaling approximately 54 kilowatts. This installation not only provides a reliable power source but also supports the mosque’s daily electricity needs effectively.
Sirwan Muhammad, spokesperson of the Sulaymaniyah Electricity Directorate, informed 964media, “Apart from a mosque in the Mawat district, this is the first mosque within the city to utilize solar power.” In April, the Grand Mosque of Mawat district had also adopted solar power with a system funded by a private benefactor, featuring ten solar panels aimed at ensuring a continuous electricity supply.
Sulaymaniyah is witnessing a broader shift towards renewable energy, with various sectors including religious institutions, educational facilities, and residential areas adopting solar power solutions. “Around 250 locations in Sulaymaniyah are registered as using solar power, and some homes have installed systems without official registration,” added Muhammad. The directorate offers discounts on electricity bills to encourage more residents and facilities to transition to solar energy.
This movement towards green energy is part of a larger initiative in the region. UNICEF installed solar panels at Kanaroy Primary School in the Sharbazher district, as part of a project aiming to equip eight schools with solar systems. This $8,000 project is designed to alleviate power shortages that have disrupted educational activities in the past.
In 2023 alone, 188 homes and facilities across Sulaymaniyah adopted solar systems, reflecting a growing regional trend. The local electricity authority has noted an increase in requests for solar installations, signaling robust interest in sustainable energy solutions.
Halabja schools go solar with support from local and German organizations