Solar power in Cyprus

Solar power in Cyprus is more available than in almost all of the rest of Europe.

Solar potential of Cyprus

In 2010, Solar heating per capita in Cyprus was the highest among all European countries, with 611 W per capita.[1]

Photovoltaics installed[1][2]
YearInstalled
(MWp)		Total
(MWp)		Generation
(GWh)
20091.13.32.9
20102.96.25.6
20113.810.112.0
20127.217.320.0
201317.534.845.8
201430.064.8104.0
Source: PV Barometer[3]
Solar panels at a tourist shelter, Troodos Mountains

The EAC (Electricity Authority of Cyprus) reported that 2,196 households installed rooftop solar panels in the first 7 months of 2020, despite the global COVID-19 pandemic and the associated financial, economic, and social disturbance. Whilst this is on track to be the highest number of installations in a year (previously it was 5,083 systems installed in 2014), 2020 is also set to smash the previous record for added capacity, which currently sits at 15.3MW. This record was also achieved in 2014.

The total number of households with photovoltaics sits at 16,546 as of September 2020.[4] The solar energy and installation companies can be found in all of the major cities throughout the island, including Nicosia (the capital), Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta and Paphos.

Government targets

In 2011, the Cypriot target of solar power including both photovoltaics and concentrated solar power was a combined 7% of electricity by 2020.[5]

Despite the seemingly optimistic outlook for solar power in Cyprus, the overall government response to the EU's Renewable Energy Directive has been less than stellar. Cyprus’ National Energy and Climate Plan for the period 2021-2030 was sent back a number of times as being inadequate. There have also been claims from government officials about fudging data in order to meet the RES targets for 2020.[6]

Largest PV power plants
Name of PlantPeak capacity
(MW)		Start of operationNotes
Vassiliko Cement Works Photovoltaic Park[7]82020Located in the Amalas area covers approximately 10% of Vassiliko Cement Works needs in electricity.

See also

References
  1. Photovoltaic energy barometer 2011 – EurObserv’ER
  2. Photovoltaic Barometer 2012
  3. EUROBSER'VER (April 2015). "Photovoltaic Barometer - installations 2013 and 2014" (PDF). energies-renouvelables.org. pp. 7–10. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 May 2015.
  4. "Solar Power & Photovoltaic Energy | Limassol Cyprus". Limassol Solar. Retrieved 2020-09-18.
  5. EWEA March 2011
  6. Ellinas, Dr Charles. "Greece's green evolution, Cyprus going backwards | Cyprus Mail". cyprus-mail.com/. Retrieved 2020-09-18.
  7. "VASSILIKO CEMENT WORKS PHOTOVOLTAIC PARK NOW LIVE" (PDF). Vassiliko Cement. Vassiliko Cement Works. Retrieved 25 August 2020.


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