This study examines the potential for solar generation of energy in the Albanian capital, Tirana, through the installation of photovoltaic (PV) units on buildings.
Approximately 40% of Tirana’s rooftop surface area is available for the installation of PV units, with an estimated annual yield potential of 526 GWh. This generation capacity could satisfy the power needs of almost 300,000 Albanians.
The study also reviews existing PV installations in Albania, the current state of the energy market, as well as the incentives provided for PV initiatives. The architectural factors relevant to PV generation are assessed alongside solar irradiation values for the region. Finally, the study provides an economic analysis of PV systems specific to southeast Europe.
While Albania currently has some PV capacity, with sites mainly in the Fier region, it generates almost its entire electricity output by hydropower. A few examples of rooftop PV systems exist, such as in Kutë village along the Vjosa river, but no largescale installations of up to 500kW are currently known. The tax and import exemptions applied to such systems make them an attractive proposition for small and medium-sized companies as well as households.
With the planned construction of new high-voltage power lines to Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Italy, Albania intends to become a net exporter of energy in the future. PV could offer a solution to bring the Albanian government in line with its renewable energy commitments and to facilitate its new role in the corporate energy market without the construction of more hydropower projects on the country’s wild rivers.
