Does Albania have a solar PV potential?

Explore the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential across 6 locations in Albania, from Tirana to Vlorë. We have utilized empirical solar and meteorological data obtained from NASA's POWER API to determine solar PV potential and identify the optimal panel tilt angles for these locations.

How much solar energy is there in Albania?

Albania has an average of 2,400 hours of sun around 240-300 sunny days per year – there is significant potential to exploit solar energy, especially as it does not raise any pollution or other environmental risks. The potential solar energy that could be generated per annum is calculated at approximately 1500-1700 kWh/m 2.

What is the largest solar power plant in Albania?

In late 2023 the 140MW Karavasta solar power plant was completed, having taken Voltalia of France 15 months to build, it is the largest in Albania to date. A 100 MW solar power project called Spitalla in Durrës area is planned to be built next. Albania has enormous potential for electric energy from wind power.

How can solar energy improve the quality of life in Albania?

In these remote areas, solar energy is a real opportunity to improve the quality of life. More than 60 individual photovoltaic systems have been installed in rural areas of Albania. 5-7 LED lamps 4 Watt 12 Volt = brighter than a normal 40 Watt lamp. The price of such a set is 300 EURO (50 Watt system) and 500 EURO 100 Watt system.

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.

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.