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The Algerian Sahara is a huge area, on which scattered oases where life is possible are grafted, as a consequence of water presence. These oases compile homes through a rich architecture; this has become a vernacular heritage, which unfortunately is at risk of extinction. Therefore the protection of this heritage goes exordium by seeking a balance between preserving the historical and cultural identity, but especially by the improvement of living conditions of the people who inhabit it. Indeed the life standard in these regions is inadequate, hence many villages scattered across the Sahara are dependent on electricity supply from the north. The latter constitutes major disarray, because of the low housing density, the fundamental mismatch of tissues, and their situations at the expense of depression. Consequently, the electrification of houses and infrastructure is quite difficult, fairly expensive, and sometimes virtually impossible.

On the other hand, the inhabitants of the Saharan oasis have implemented ingenious techniques for survival in their harsh environment. But today, their productive activities are facing the increasingly weakening water resources in their area, and the difficulty to dispose of these resources.

However, the control of the requirements of modern life. This imposes the need for more efficient tools, for the keeping of the tribes which are likely to leave the region, while looking for a more convenient living environment.

It is now appropriate to introduce renewable energy that is able to contribute in solving many problems in the regions of south Algeria, where all conditions for using solar energy are available. The use of renewable energy in southern Algeria This will integrate them into their surrounding contexts in order to stabilize them, namely to safeguard the vernacular heritage in transmitting collective memory. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer review under responsibility of The TerraGreen Society.