Azernews.Az

By Leman Mammadova

Having made considerable efforts to develop renewables in recent times, Azerbaijan is also planning to provide foreign countries with local products in this industry.

Azerbaijani-made solar panels will be supplied to Germany, Azguntex chief technologist Nizami Asgarov told Trend.

The chief technologist noted that the company is working on the modernization.

“After modernization, the enterprise will apply new technologies, the products will be of higher quality and meet international standards,” said Asgarov.

Asgarov added that after the completion of the modernization of the enterprise, solar panels will be supplied to Germany, Turkey, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Georgia.

Solar energy is one of the most common types of alternative energy sources in modern times. The amount of sunlight falling on the surface of the Earth is greater than all oil, gas, coal and other fuels.

The advantage of solar energy is that sun exposure does not generate a glaze effect, no air pollution occurs, and heat does not spread to atmospheric layers. The only cons of solar energy are dependence on the state of the atmosphere, day and year.

Azerbaijan's natural climatic conditions open up opportunities for energy production using solar energy sources. The amount of sunny hours in Azerbaijan is 2,400-3,200 hours a year. Taking into account that there are 300 sunny days in Azerbaijan, it is one of the most promising areas.

A major part of the country’s capacity in this area accounts for solar energy, while its potential is estimated at 5,000 megawatts. Some 4,500 megawatts accounts for wind power, 1,500 megawatts -- for biomass, 800 megawatts -- for geothermal energy, and the remaining 350 megawatts -- for the small hydro power plants (HPP).

In January-February 2019, the production of solar energy in the country increased by 15.9 percent.

The State Agency for Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources plans to implement 23 projects worth 13 million manats as part of the strategic roadmap for the development of public services in 2018-2020.

The projects cover the construction of 420 megawatt wind, water and biofuel power plants. The capacity of wind power stations will be 350 megawatts, solar power stations will be 50 megawatts, and biofuel power plants will be equal to 20 megawatts.

Presently, solar power plants in Azerbaijan operate in the cities of Gobustan and Samukh, the Baku settlements of Pirallahi and Surakhani. The power plant in Baku’s Sahil settlement is fully ready for operation. After the start of its operation, it is also planned to commission a similar solar power plant in Sumgayit city, where the work has almost been completed.

“Azguntex” LLC established by the State Agency on Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources is engaged in the production of solar panels since April 24, 2012. It is located in Sumgait and combines two plants: Azguntex plant of sun modules and Azguntex plant of LED lighting.

Earlier, the company produced panels with a capacity of 250 watts. After modernization, their power will grow to 300-330 watts. New samples will be able to accumulate more solar energy by replacing the old three-tire models of photovoltaic cells with new high-performance five-tire cells. Upon completion of the modernization works, the total annual capacity of the products produced at the plant will increase from 25 to 60-65 megawatts. The company will operate two lines, producing 100,000 panels per year.

Advantage of the strength of the solar modules produced by the automated technology is a high efficiency and the latest model is distinguished by the use of technology polycrystal cells. In addition, they are based on the most modern technologies of leading firms of European countries.

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Leman Mammadova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @leman_888

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