What are the different types of solar energy technologies in Maldives?

There are two main types of solar energy technologies: photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar power (CSP). Photovoltaics have high potential in Maldives, and this technology is discussed in this Chapter. CSP technology is not expected to be implemented in Maldives.

How many kWh does a PV system produce in Maldives?

In Maldives, the average daily sums of specific PV power production from a reference system vary between 4.3 kWh/kWp (equals to yearly sum of about 1570 kWh/kWp) and 4.5 kWh/kWp (about 1640 kWh/kWp yearly). Average daily totals for the year are very uniform throughout all of Maldives.

Does Maldives have a potential for solar power generation?

It has been communicated by all publications that Maldives has considerable potential for solar power generation. The previously developed solar and meteorological data sets (See Chapter 1.1) do not fulfil the requirements for accuracy and reliability needed for commercial development of present times.

What are the benefits of solar power plants in Maldives?

Solar power plants exploit local solar resources; they do not require heavy support infrastructure, they are scalable, and improve electricity services. A key feature of solar electricity is that it is accessible in remote locations, thus providing development opportunities anywhere. Access to electricity in Maldives is nearly universal.

Can photovoltaics be used in Maldives?

Photovoltaics have high potential in Maldives, and this technology is discussed in this Chapter. CSP technology is not expected to be implemented in Maldives. Photovoltaics exploit global horizontal or tilted irradiation, which is the sum of direct and diffuse components (see equation (1) in Chapter 2.1.3).

How much electricity does Maldives produce a year?

High-resolution digital maps prepared for poster printing, as well as Google Earth maps. The maps show that, throughout most of Maldives, yearly sum of global horizontal irradiation is in the range of 2000 to 2050 kWh/m2. This translates to a specific yearly PV electricity output in the range of 1530 kWh/kWp to 1600 kWh/kWp.