Using solar thermal technology to convert sunlight into heat should be a no-brainer in North Macedonia. But modest subsidies and insufficient regulation have stymied projects, despite the economic benefits. Today, the country barely keeps up with its ambitious solar thermal and photovoltaic targets.
Deutsche Welle conducted a survey on solar energy in North Macedonia. The results of the study show that many companies and private individuals are keen to switch to renewable energy sources, in particular solar energy. However, the transition is moving too slowly due to meager state subsidies for capital-intensive investments and a large number of unlicensed contractors offering below-average goods and services.
Existing legislation needs to be changed and companies installing solar panels without a national quality certificate should not be eligible for subsidies.
According to the Macedonian Statistical Office, around 80,000 solar thermal panels were installed by North Macedonian households in 2019. North Macedonia has an average of 280 days of sunshine per year. However, a recent report showed that the country currently generates less than 2% of its electricity from the sun, one of the lowest levels in Europe.
The Eco-svest, reports that North Macedonia could become energy independent by installing solar panels on only a few % of the country’s territory. There is no shortage of public interest. 90% of citizens believe that solar energy could be used much more to meet energy needs and that more should be invested in energy independence.
Subsidies have so far been small. Only € 80,000 a year is earmarked for household solar thermal collectors. Due to the strain on state funding caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the North Macedonian Ministry of Economy has confirmed that there will be no state support for solar thermal systems this year.
Despite its difficulties, North Macedonia is strongly committed to the introduction of renewable energy sources, which is also supported by the European Union. The target for the share of renewables in gross final energy consumption has been set at 40% by 2030 and 45% by 2040.
But experts agree that North Macedonia is unlikely to achieve its ambitious goals on time.
Source: Deutsche Welle
