How solar energy is transforming Moldova's economy
In the Republic of Moldova, solar energy has become an increasingly popular solution for both households and businesses.
Georgeta Mir, an entrepreneur from Chișinău, currently saves around 80 percent of her energy consumption with the help of solar panels. These panels were installed a year and a half ago on the roof of the clothing factory she runs. The project was made possible with financial support from the Organization for the Development of Entrepreneurship.
The photovoltaic panels have a capacity of 150 kilowatts. According to the entrepreneur, they generate all the energy needed for production.
"I spent approximately 10 months preparing the project before it was implemented. Currently, we are saving around 80 percent of what we used to consume, which, of course, significantly helps us reduce costs. The investment was higher for us. The total investment was four million, with one and a half million covered by the state," says Georgeta Mir.
"They are bifacial photovoltaic panels, highly efficient, and state-of-the-art," explains engineer Sabin Dulap. "They can generate energy not only on the front side but also when installed at height, generating surplus energy on the back side."
The shift to solar energy in the Republic of Moldova presents a significant economic and ecological opportunity, emphasizes the Ministry of Energy.
"What does renewable energy mean for us in the Republic of Moldova? It means not only clean energy produced domestically, but also enhanced energy security. Therefore, with the installation of these renewable energy capacities, we are able to reduce our energy bills. Under the net metering system for up to 200 kW, it is important that we correctly size this installed system to fully cover our energy consumption, both for the business and the household," says Carolina Novac, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Energy.
In the past four years, renewable energy consumption in the Republic of Moldova has increased sixfold, with installed capacities growing eightfold, reaching 600 megawatts.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
