The Use of Photovoltaic Technology in Albania

By, MSc. Ing. Armaldela KËRNAJA, Prof. Dr. Ing. Angjelin SHTJEFNI, Dr. Ing. Kreshnik HAKRAMA, MSc. Ing. Hasimin KEÇI

Abstract

Over the past decade, technological advances have led to the development of more economically feasible photovoltaic systems. These systems are ideal for areas where there is no electricity. Due to growing environmental concerns, new energy sources have been developed that are more sustainable and economically feasible. This means that photovoltaic energy will play a vital role in the production of electricity in industry. The purpose of this study is to understand more about the use of photovoltaic energy in Albania, the installation costs of a photovoltaic energy production system, are these systems assembled and installed according to the IEC 62116 standard. The objective of this study is to identify the models of photovoltaic energy systems that are marketed in Albania, if these systems are according to the European standard IEC 62116, to show the types and installation costs of these systems as well as to understand the amount of annual energy generated by a photovoltaic system that is used in Albania. The methodology used in this study is that of a qualitative and quantitative descriptive research. Descriptive research includes surveys and factfinding investigations of various kinds. We used the qualitative description when we talked about the types of systems, when we talked about the use of PV systems in Albania, but also when we talked about the use of systems according to the European standard IEC 62116. We used the quantitative description when we calculated the costs of installing the PV system in Albania but, and along the calculation of the amount of annual energy generated by a PV system that is used in Albania.

Keywords: Photovoltaic (PV) systems, Photovoltaic inverters, Active method, Passive method, Utility level methods, IEC 62116.