SOLAR ENERGY

Having a favorable geographical position in the Mediterranean sea, Albania has very promising climate conditions for the use of solar energy, i.e. high intensity of solar radiation, duration of this radiation, temperature and humidity of the air, etc. Mediterranean climate, with a mild and wet winter, hot and dry summers define an energy potential greater than the average energy potential for solar energy utilization. Albania is considered with good solar energy regime and high potential of solar radiation. Solar energy is a very promising energy source for the future and its use is possible, as it is an inexhaustible natural source of energy, it is the largest natural reserve of energy that is distributed everywhere in the world in greater quantities than needs for energy, it is clean and its use does not require additional costs, it also does not pose any risk to environmental pollution.

The above arguments lead to the conclusion that in our country the use of solar energy to heat water for sanitary and technological needs and for the production of electricity, replacing electricity, is a chance that nature grants us and that we should use it carefully.

Solar Energy Potential

The territory of Albania lies in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula on the eastern shore of the Adriatic and Ionian Sea. It is located between latitudes 39o38′- 42o38’ and geographical lengths 19o16′- 21o04 ′. Thanks to this geographical position, Albania belongs to the Mediterranean climate belt with hot and dry summers, long sunny days and mild winters with abundant rainfall. Based on what we said above, the territory of the Republic of Albania is divided into 4 main climate zones, where the climate fluctuations are relatively small. (Map1)

These climate zones are as follows:

• Field Mediterranean zone;
• Hilly Mediterranean zone;
• Pre-mountainous Mediterranean zone
• Mountainous Mediterranean zone.