Dr. Benjamin Figgis

Dr. Benjamin Figgis serves as Research Program Manager at Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), where he manages the 35,000 m2 Outdoor Test Facility, one of the world's leading solar research sites. After earning degrees from the University of Western Australia and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, followed by a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Strasbourg, he helped establish the Qatar Science & Technology Park before joining QEERI. His pioneering research on photovoltaic soiling in desert environments has earned over 3,200 citations, with groundbreaking work on dust effects, soiling processes, and mitigation strategies. From 2009 to 2014, he collaborated with Chevron Qatar to establish the Solar Test Facility, which has since tested 85 different PV module types from 35 manufacturers. His expertise spans from fundamental research in PV soiling mechanics to practical applications in solar energy deployment, contributing significantly to Qatar's renewable energy initiatives including the 350 MW Siraj-1 PV power plant project. As a key member of QEERI's Solar Consortium, he continues to advance solar technology optimization for desert climates while fostering collaboration between research institutions and industry partners worldwide.