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.

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.

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.

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.

What is the ideal angle to tilt solar PV panels in Albania?

So far based on Solar PV Analysis of 6 locations in Albania, we've discovered that the ideal angle to tilt solar PV panels in Albania varies between 35° from the horizontal plane facing South in Tirana and 34° from the horizontal plane facing South in Vlorë.