The Use of Photovoltaic Technology in Albania: A Good Opportunity to Face the Energy Crisis

Albania is a country with a great potential for solar energy due to its geographical location and favorable climate conditions. Albania's high levels of sunlight offer a chance for the nation to use PV technology to harness solar energy. Currently, the total installed capacity of solar energy in Albania is around 70 MW, which represents only a small fraction of the country's potential. Most of the existing solar power plants in Albania are small-scale installations, with a capacity of less than 5 MW. This paper will focus on the use of photovoltaic (PV) technology in Albania as a potential solution to the energy crisis that the country currently faces. Albania, like many other countries, relies heavily on imported fossil fuels for its energy needs. Due to this dependence, the country's economic growth and development are severely damaged by the oil crisis. In addition to lowering Albania's reliance on fossil fuels, the deployment of PV technology can help the country develop a sustainable and ecologically friendly energy system. The adoption of PV technology can also foster economic expansion and generate new job possibilities. The future of PV technology in Albania looks promising, as the country continues to implement policies and incentives to encourage investment in renewable energy sources. However, there are a number of obstacles to the adoption of PV technology in Albania, including poor infrastructure, a lack of funding, and low technical know-how. Participation from both, the public and business sectors as well as international organizations will be necessary to address these difficulties. The use of PV technology in Albania presents a good opportunity to address the country's energy crisis and transition towards a sustainable energy system. With proper investment and support, Albania can become a leader in solar energy in the region, creating a positive impact on the environment and the economy.   Received: 05 May 2022 / Accepted: 15 June 2023 / Published: 23 July 2023