The total solar energy absorbed by Iran's atmosphere, oceans and land masses is above international levels, reaching 8 kilowatt-hours per square meter in some regions, such as Qasr-e Shirin in Kermanshah Province, according to energy experts.
The city is renowned for its sizzling days, with temperature reaching 50°C, which can turn it into a solar energy hub of the country. However, infrastructures need to be established and financial incentives should be provided to encourage its wider use.
According to Qodrat Rahimi, the head of Qasr-e Shirin Electricity Company, 53 million kWh of electricity were consumed in this city last year, IRNA reported.
"This small city has a great potential to absorb the sun's energy," he said, adding that developing this type of renewable resource is both technically and economically viable.
Fossil fuel resources are predicted to deplete totally, sooner or later. Consequently, replacing oil with other resources ought to be considered as one of the most important alternatives.
Iran experiences more than 300 sunny days, which provide a unique advantage to use solar energy potential.
Solar energy is the most distinctive source of renewable energy, as it can be converted to other form directly or indirectly.
Heat is harnessed from the sun using a range of technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture and artificial photosynthesis. Based on the Energy Ministry'ss projections, generating every kilowatt of solar energy costs $3,700, of which $1,500 will be paid as ex-gratia loans by the Energy Ministry. By making use of solar cells, households can have access to free electricity. Furthermore, surplus production can be sold to the electricity company for transmission to the national grid.
"Making use of solar panels is high on our list of priority," Qasr-e Shirin's Deputy Governor Nematollah Nazparvardeh said.
"Utilizing solar energy is a win-win project, as not only can it be a source of income to families, but it can also help save on fossil energy resources," he said. Surveys conducted in Iran show the efficiency of a 1-kilowatt photovoltaic system is 14%, which can be increased to 19%. In other words, Iran is deemed the most economical state in the region to take advantage of solar energy.
Electricity experts have proven that a power plant with a capacity of 60,000 megawatts can be constructed in only a 2,000-square-kilometer area in Iran.
Under President Hassan Rouhani, the government’s budget for solar energy production has risen fivefold this year to $60 million, up from just $12 million last year.
Over 6,000 photovoltaic systems were installed across the country this year, which is expected to increase to 10,000 in the near future. Solar energy industry is undergoing a tectonic change in Iran, as renewable power plants will generate 5,000 megabytes of electricity during the sixth five-year economic development plan (2011-16).
