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This study analyses the development of photovoltaic (PV) systems in Saudi Arabian buildings, assessing their performance, energy efficiency, economic feasibility, and hybrid PV-battery configurations. Key factors include electricity tariffs, fossil fuel costs, levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and technology selection. The research examines obstacles, design complexities, and energy losses in PV deployment, assessing economic and environmental impacts within the regulatory framework. This work investigates the integration of energy efficiency, financial feasibility, and environmental considerations, offering a strategic roadmap for expanding distributed PV systems within an emerging local policy framework. The findings indicate that regular performance monitoring is crucial, particularly in arid conditions. Semi-annual maintenance is effective in detecting early failures and extending the system's lifespan, while bi-weekly cleaning enhances cost efficiency and energy savings in arid climate areas. The main findings indicate that initial rooftop PV utilisation rates range from 21 % to 49 %, with energy savings differing by building type: 16–21 % for campuses and 43 % for residential buildings, depending on the mitigation of rooftop obstacles and the dynamic of electrical self-consumption. Furthermore, proper design and maintenance can improve the performance ratio to 77.00%–84.27 %. Likewise, economic feasibility hinges on cost and energy yield, with a mean LCOE of $0.0445/kWh. This work brings an innovative perspective to scholarly discourse by exploring the potential of distributed solar energy in Saudi Arabia, thereby supporting further research contributions. Diagram of a distributed PV system in Saudi Arabia, showing the various components and the flow of electricity. • The study evaluates PV systems' energy efficiency and economic viability. • Initial rooftop PV system utilisation factors ranged from 21 % to 49 %. • Average electricity savings for buildings in Saudi Arabia are approximately 35 %. • Performance ratios range from 77 % to 84.27 % across various regions. • The resulting mean LCOE for rooftop PV systems is $0.0445 per kWh.