Albania subsidizes solar photovoltaic panels

Is solar a viable alternative to electricity in Albania?

A move toward more solar is partly an attempt to diversify Albania’s electricity sources. In “ Evaluation and integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in Albanian energy landscape,” which was recently published in Solar Compass, the scientists said that solar is an adaptable and affordable alternative, given Albania’s sunny climate.

How much do solar panels cost in Albania?

Solar panels are sold for around 140,000 Albanian lek in the market, but citizens have paid 42,000 Albanian lek, with the remaining amount covered by the Government through one of the seven licensed service companies. For the year 2024, there is no set date yet for the opening and closing of applications.

Is Albania a good place for solar energy?

Albania gets about 2100–2700 hours of sunshine in a year so it has a great potential for solar energy. Solar energy is easily accessible since most energy comes directly or indirectly from the sun. It could be used for heating and lighting homes, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Could solar power reduce Albania's reliance on energy imports?

Albanian researchers say that solar could be key to reducing Albania’s reliance on energy imports, but the nation will need to invest in grid infrastructure, streamline laws, and enhance access to funding to support deployment.

What incentives are there for PV development in Albania?

There are already incentives in place to bolster PV development in Albania across three mechanisms: net metering for PV systems up to 500 kW, feed-in tariffs (FiTs) for projects of up to 2 MW, and an auction scheme for large-scale solar facilities.

When do companies have to apply for energy subsidies in Albania?

Companies have until 18 October to apply under the scheme. An increase in global electricity prices is yet to impact Albanian customers as the state energy company OSHEE and the government have spent more than EUR 300 million on subsidies.