Sudanese doctor and spouse pass away due to asphyxiation during sleep in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
In a tragic incident reported by Al Ekhbariya TV on Wednesday, Dr. Abdul Aziz Idris, a surgeon at Shaqra Hospital located northwest of Riyadh, and his wife lost their lives. The couple was on their way to work when they stopped to rest, and it appears they fell asleep with the air conditioning running in their parked vehicle. Local reports suggest a buildup of carbon monoxide may be responsible for their deaths.
Authorities are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, and no further information about the cause of death or the identities of the couple has been provided. Colleagues and staff at Shaqra Hospital paid tribute to Dr. Abdul Aziz Idris's legacy and extended condolences to his family and loved ones. The medical community at Shaqra Hospital expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Dr. Abdul Aziz Idris, who was remembered as a dedicated physician known for his professionalism, compassion, and tireless service to patients.
This incident has prompted renewed warnings about the dangers of sleeping in enclosed vehicles, particularly during hot weather when air conditioning is running.
Meanwhile, a separate issue has come to light regarding solar panel investments in residential systems. According to new data, solar panel investments in residential systems typically pay off within about 6 to 10 years, with a national average around 7.1 years in the U.S. Factors influencing the payback period include location, electricity rates, system size, and incentives such as state/local subsidies and federal tax credits.
The 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which applies to the full system cost including batteries, significantly reduces the payback period. For example, a system costing $28,000 before incentives may cost $19,600 after the 30% credit, leading to a payback of about 8.2 years based on typical electricity savings.
However, this federal tax credit is set to expire at the end of 2025, and its removal is expected to increase payback periods by an average of about 43% starting in 2026. This means systems that pay off in 7 years now may take over 10 years afterwards.
Geographic differences are important: places with higher electricity rates or generous local incentives may see payback in the lower end of the range (closer to 6 years), while areas with lower rates or fewer subsidies will have longer payback periods. Modern solar panels last 25-40 years, so even after payback, homeowners benefit from 15-30+ years of net savings.
Alternatives such as solar leases or subscription plans can provide near-immediate savings without the upfront cost, effectively shortening the wait for net gains despite different ownership models. In summary, timing installations before the end of 2025 to secure the ITC is financially advantageous. After 2025, solar payback periods will lengthen due to the loss of this key incentive, though long-term savings remain substantial given panel lifespans and rising utility rates.
In a separate incident, Dr. Khitam Al Amir, a Sudanese surgeon, and his wife died in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths is ongoing.
- This tragic news of Dr. Abdul Aziz Idris's death in a car-accident, while on their way to work, has highlighted the dangers of sleeping in enclosed vehicles, especially during hot weather when the air conditioning is running.
- The news of the sudden deaths of Dr. Khitam Al Amir and his wife has also been reported, although the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation.
- In health-and-wellness news, the medical community has shared advice regarding the payback period for solar panel investments in residential systems, indicating a typical period of 6 to 10 years, with a national average of 7.1 years in the U.S.
- As the 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is set to expire at the end of 2025, there are concerns that solar payback periods will lengthen by an average of about 43%, which could significantly impact career decisions related to such investments.
