Solar radiation energy, or solar energy, is the basis for almost all other energy sources on Earth. Fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) are an accumulated form of solar energy. Wind energy, hydropower and biomass energy are indirect forms of solar energy. In energy generation, the term “solar energy” means the direct exploitation of solar radiation energy to generate thermal energy and electricity.
The technically usable energy potential for converting solar energy into heat (to prepare hot water and for other purposes) is estimated at 0.194 million toe (tonnes of oil equivalent) per annum, assuming that solar thermal collectors are installed on 50% of available facilities in the country. As regards electricity generation, the main technological limiting factor, just as in the case of wind power, is the ability of the power system to store this energy during summer months, as this type of production is variable.
