How much solar energy does Russia produce?

Russia's share of solar energy production is a paltry 0.03 percent of the country's total, and to meet its electricity needs the country relies heavily on traditional energy sources with high conversion efficiency, such as gas, oil, hydro and nuclear. Nevertheless, in the past three years Russia has been rapidly developing solar energy.

Is solar energy a good investment in Russia?

Even though demand for solar energy in Russia is low, the Moscow-based company, Hevel, is producing solar modules with an energy conversion efficiency of 22 percent, which is the world’s highest. In addition to Hevel, only two other companies in the world produce solar equipment with similar efficiency: Panasonic (Japan), and Sun Power (U.S.).

Is solar energy on the verge of a major expansion in Russia?

Vadim Braidov / TASS Solar energy in Russia might be on the verge of a major expansion, thanks to a government support program for renewable energy sources, industry experts told The Moscow Times. Russia, the world’s fourth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has historically relied on its vast oil and gas reserves to bolster its economy.

Could a hybrid solar-diesel power station help Russia's Arctic settlements?

“Most Russian regions have high insolation — above 1,000 — the level required to generate energy,” the company said in a statement. Both Unigreen and HEVEL experts said Russia’s many Arctic settlements could benefit from hybrid solar-diesel power stations that would cut costs and solve supply chain and shortage problems.

Where is solar a good investment?

Solar is most advantageous for consumers in Russia's South, Far East, south Siberia and in some central regions where traditional energy sources are distant and remote. Some countries, such as Germany, have so-called "green tariffs," meaning that the consumer can sell his surplus to the national network.