Is solar energy a viable source of energy in Iran?

Particularly, Iran enjoys a high potential for solar radiation up to 5.5 kWh/m 2 /day where implementation of solar power plants is completely feasible and affordable , . Due to great access to solar energy, several studies have evaluated the potential of generating electricity from this abundant and clean source of energy.

How many MW of solar power does Iran have?

However, 27 MW of installed wind power capacity was added to the system in 2014 (Farfan and Breyer 2017). Solar power generation has seen high growth in recent years, mainly through photovoltaics (PV) and followed by concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) plants in Iran.

What is Iran's potential for solar-based electricity generation?

Iran's potentials for solar-based electricity generation At present, Iran is producing only 0.46% of its energy from renewable energy sources. In 2016, the country's renewable-based electricity generation sector was mainly comprised of 53.88 MW wind, 13.56 MW biomass, 0.51 MW solar and 0.44 MW hydropower .

Does Iran have a solar power plant?

Iran now is the world’s 14th biggest of solar power plants. The country’s total potential for producing solar and wind energy is estimated to be around 40,000 GW h and 100,000 MW h . Electricity production in Iran was about 212.8 (billion kW h) and electricity consumption was 206.7 (billion kW h) in 2012 , .

Why should investors invest in solar energy development in Iran?

Among renewable energy sources, Iran has a high solar energy potential. The widespread deployment of solar energy is promising due to recent advancements in solar energy technologies. Therefore, many investors inside and outside the country are interested to invest in solar energy development.

How much does a solar power plant cost in Iran?

The guaranteed purchase tariff rates announced by SUNA in May 2016 . Official exchange rate for the US dollar announced by the Central Bank of Iran on September 1, 2016. The basic price for an average of different install capacities of PV power plants was 7290 IRRs/KWh in 2015 and 5940 IRRs /KWh in 2016 and 2017 .