In his interview with to NEWS.am-Innovation, Vahan Sargsyan, Director of the Energy Strategy Center, RA Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, said that solar power can successfully be converted into thermal power. He pointed out that solar power stations are widely used now. In this context he said that solar power plants are operating at the American University of Armenia (AUA), Republican Drug Abuse Clinic and the Red Cross Hospital.

On the other hand, up-to-date technologies are too expensive, which is an obstacle to their large-scale application. The energy generated by solar power stations is more expensive. So it is more advisable to install solar power plants in the areas far away from energy transmission lines. In the future, however, electric energy prices will be rising, whereas the price for solar energy will be falling. In a few years, the prices will be equal, which will give impetus to larger-scale application of solar power plants.

Vahan Sargsyan said that this field is regulated by relevant laws, and the prices for solar power and other types of renewable energy are initially high for production costs to be covered and favorable investment environment created.

Sargsyan added that a renewable energy program, with Armenia’s potential considered, has been elaborated. “The Government approved an energy development strategy, which says that Armenia’s solar power potential may reach 250 MW, an amount economically sound for potential investors,” he said.

As regards water heating by means of solar power plants, Sargsyan said that many well-off citizens have taken interest and installed the plants on their cottages. As to blocs of flats, he does not see any technical problems. The problem is the ownership of the roofs and maintenance of solar power plants.