Solar power plants should be built on unused land, industrial zones and roofs of buildings in cities, where energy consumption is also high, and not on fertile land. European programs for financing renewable energy sources should be simplified following the example of neighboring Romania, so that they make sense. A net accounting system should be introduced to encourage investments in photovoltaics. These are some of the measures proposed by the Bulgarian Electrical and Electronics Association (BASEL). They also outline four of the most common mistakes that Bulgaria makes.
Myth 1: Photovoltaic systems must be large to be effective
Many people believe that only large photovoltaic power plants are economically viable. However, small and medium-sized rooftop systems are more suitable for households and small businesses. They can cover local electricity needs without requiring large spaces and investments. Rooftop installations reduce energy losses during transmission and are also easier to maintain. According to Dr. Eng. Dimitar Beleliev, Chairman of the Management Board of BASEL, “the large consumption of electricity is in cities. Large-scale production in remote locations is inefficient due to the load on balancing”. According to him, there are very large projects in our country that destabilize the system. Bulgaria could learn from the experience of Germany – small, but more in number, capacities are being built there. The largest power plant has recently been opened in Bavaria , with a unit capacity of 50 megawatts . At the same time, in our country , in April , a power plant with a capacity of 400 megawatts began operating.
Myth 2: Photovoltaic plants must be built on fertile agricultural land
Another myth is that because photovoltaic parks are a priority, they can also be built on agricultural land. Using fertile land for solar installations destroys nature and contradicts sustainable development. It is better to build solar power plants on unused land, industrial areas or roofs of buildings, or to look for solutions to combine agricultural activity with electricity production.
Myth 3: European renewable energy funding programs in Bulgaria are accessible and simplified
According to Eng. Beleliev, the programs to support households and businesses for photovoltaic installations are complex, with a number of requirements and conditions. Bulgaria could benefit from the practice in neighboring Romania . There, online auctions end in a matter of minutes, and approved candidates receive vouchers with which they “go” to installers. Thus, the financial burden on European projects is transferred from households to the companies that build the power plants.
Myth 4: Implementing a net reporting system is complicated
In Bulgaria, there are restrictions on the return of electricity to the grid. One of the solutions is the introduction of a net metering system . It will allow owners of photovoltaic installations to compensate for excess energy produced during the day with energy used by the grid at night. It is wrongly believed that the implementation of such a system is complicated. “Net metering is perhaps the most important measure to stimulate consumers to invest in renewable energy. Most countries in Europe have introduced this system. It not only reduces the energy costs of households, but also helps stabilize the grid,” explains Eng. Beleliev. BASEL advises that when choosing a solar system, first analyze the energy needs of the household or business, and then invest in certified products with a guarantee and support.
The Bulgarian Association of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (BASEL) is a national representative organization founded in 1994. Its members include 115 Bulgarian and foreign companies with production, repair, engineering, trade, consulting and development activities, universities, etc. Dr. Eng. Dimitar Beleliev is Chairman of the Management Board of BASEL, Chairman of the Control Board of KRIB, Chairman of the Board of Directors of CERB EAD, founder of AmonRa Energy AD, etc. He has 30 years of experience as a manager and investor in the energy sector.
Source: https://fakti.bg/biznes/957557-greshkite-koito-darjavata-dopuska-pri-solarnite-sistemi
