Hebron Electric Power Company (HEPCO) -a Palestinian electricity distribution company fully owned by Hebron Municipality-, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), implemented an innovative solar initiative designed to enhance the resilience and self-reliance of Palestinian communities living in closed and high-risk areas of Hebron (H2). These areas face severe movement restrictions and economic isolation due to prolonged occupation and the presence of illegal settlements, leading to high vulnerability and risk of displacement.

The project’s goal was to utilize solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on rooftops of residential buildings to ensure sustainable access to electricity, empower residents economically (by providing monthly income in return of selling energy production to HEPCo), and strengthen Palestinian presence in marginalized communities. It represents a unique model where renewable energy becomes a tool of protection, resilience, and dignity.

Project Overview

The initiative focused on rooftop PV installations for residential buildings within two restricted areas (closed areas where movement is restricted for political reasons) — Tel Rumeideh and Wadi Al-Hussein. Between 2022 and 2024, 21 PV systems (276 kWp) were installed benefiting 117 families, followed by 13 additional systems (275 kWp) currently under implementation for 88 families.

Economic and Social Model: A shared-revenue approach was applied: 85% of electricity revenue benefits the resident families and property owners, while 15% supports HEPCo — ensuring fairness and long-term sustainability. This structure provides stable income opportunities and encourages local participation in system maintenance and management.

Technical and Operational Design: HEPCO led all stages of implementation, including engineering design, installation, and maintenance. The systems are eco-friendly, grid-compatible, and sized for efficient generation to meet household and community needs. Continuous oversight and a standby maintenance fleet ensure system reliability under challenging access conditions.

Conclusions / Lessons Learned

• Energy Access: Provided clean, reliable electricity to families of restricted mobility.

• Economic Empowerment: Enabled income generation through surplus production.

• Resilience: Strengthened community stability and presence in sensitive zones.

• Replication Potential: Demonstrated a scalable model applicable to other conflict-affected or isolated communities.

This project demonstrates how decentralized solar energy can achieve more than environmental goals — it can safeguard livelihoods, sustain community presence, and promote economic independence in fragile contexts. Through strong partnership between HEPCO and ICRC, renewable energy became an enabler of human resilience and local empowerment.

Given that Hebron’s H2 area represents 20% of the city and houses over 40,000 residents, this pilot provides a foundation for replication across similarly vulnerable areas. The experience highlights that solar PV solutions, when locally managed and socially integrated, can transform restricted zones into resilient, self-sustaining communities.