What is Sunbox doing in the Middle East?

After achieving success in Palestine, the company is now looking to expand its operations in the Middle East. SunBox is currently working on a pilot project in Saudi Arabia to provide solar energy to different mosques in Jeddah and Riyadh, and is raising $690,000.

Will Palestine cut its energy imports from Israel?

The country aims to expand its solar energy capacity to 200MW in eight years' time – a move that could see Palestine cut its energy imports from Israel by 17 per cent, according to the Palestine Investment Authority. SunBox offers different financial models for families, where they can share costs of installing a panel.

How much does a solar system cost in Gaza?

“We also work in the water sector providing desalination plants in Gaza with solar facilities that help Palestinian families get clean and fresh water.” The cost of installing a solar panel can range from $1,200 and could go up to $15,000. Sometimes, the company installs the system on the entire building with 20 families or more splitting the cost.

What makes Sunbox unique?

SunBox currently provides employment to 65 people and is also training young engineers to improve their skills in the field, she says. “What makes this company unique is it is headed by a woman. We are the first solar company that was founded and headed by a woman,” Ms Mashharawi says.

How much electricity do Palestinians in Gaza get a day?

About 86 per cent of Palestinians in Gaza reported they receive electricity for six to eight hours daily on average during the year, with 82 per cent reporting they are unable to refrigerate food due to the lack of electricity provided by the public network, according to a survey conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross.