Armenia has great solar energy potential – no less than that of African states. However, this potential is hardly being realized, Ernest Ghazaryan, Professor at the State Engineering University of Armenia, told NEWS.am. He pointed out that solar energy is used in almost all European cities, where sunny days are a much rarer phenomenon.

“Armenia fails to turn its geographical location to advantage, and our foreign partners are often surprised at that,” Ghazaryan said. He pointed out that the university has for 35 years been cooperating in this field with a number of foreign companies and universities, particularly with German ones.

Among the ways of using solar energy is converting sunlight into electricity due to photo effect in semiconductors. However, this method remains unaffordable in Armenia because of a high price for solar batteries.

Professor Ghazaryan pointed out easier and less expensive ways of using solar energy in Armenia, as the number of sunny days is over 200 in Armenia every year. For example, solar water heaters can be installed in most of the city districts to satisfy households’ hot water needs. 

Professor Ghazaryan said Armenian consumers have recently taken interest in solar energy. However, his research team, with technologies and calculations of expenses at their disposal, have been looking for sources of financing for ten years.

The team once applied to the RA Ministry of Energy. The officials’ response was a surprising one: the work interfered with the Ministry’s activities and might even cause damage. The German partners, who were ready to render assistance, were surprised at the Ministry’s approach as well.

“In contrast to foreign universities, the State Engineering University of Armenia lacks the necessary financing for Armenian scientists, especially young ones, to conduct the work,” Ghazaryan said. He added it is one of the reasons why young specialists leave Armenia.

Professor Ghazaryan expressed hope that the interest recently taken in solar energy may soon produce results, and Armenia’s households will start using home-made solar batteries.