Does Armenia need a solar power plant?

In 2019, the European Union announced plans to assist Armenia towards developing its solar power capacity. The initiative has supported the construction of a power plant with 4,000 solar panels located in Gladzor. Solar power potential in Armenia is 8 GW according to the Eurasian Development Bank.

What is Armenia's largest solar power plant?

The 200-megawatt plant, to be known as Ayg-1, will become the country’s largest solar power plant and will have nearly half of the current capacity of Armenia’s main energy generator, the Metsamor nuclear power plant․ According to the government, Masdar was “the initiator of the investment project.

How much does solar power cost in Armenia?

It is Armenia’s first large utility-scale and competitively-tendered solar independent power producer. The project will operate under a 20-year power purchase agreement and is expected to have a total cost of $55 million.

Why do Armenians use solar energy?

The reason for this is that average solar radiation in Armenia is almost 1700 kWh/m 2 annually. One of the well-known utilization examples is the American University of Armenia (AUA) which uses it not only for electricity generation, but also for water heating. The Government of Armenia is promoting utilization of solar energy.

Are solar panels legal in Armenia?

Consumers are allowed to install solar panels with total power of up to 150 kW, and may sell any surplus to electricity distribution company Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA). In Armenia, solar thermal collectors, or water-heaters, are produced in standard sizes (1.38-4.12 square meters).

Which buildings have solar panels?

Example of buildings equipped with solar panels are the American University of Armenia generating enough power for the elevators and other uses, and the UN House in Armenia. A 55 MW utility-scale solar power plant will be built near Mets Masrik in Gegharkunik province, requiring an investment of about $50 million.