Slovenia
Solar Market Outlook in Slovenia
There is a solar power boom in Slovenia and it mirrors the rapid growth of the renewable energy sector in most parts of Europe. In 2019, there were 2,496 solar PV systems that were installed in Slovenia generating a total solar capacity of 31.2 MW. Majority of these PV systems were for residential installations. This was a huge increase from the previous year (2018) bringing an increase of up to 233%.
The significant drop in the price of solar components can be attributed to this growth in the Slovenian solar market. In addition, the support models and lower administrative barriers are also a factor.
The continued effort to push the growth of the country’s solar energy sector has resulted in the generation of 268 GWh of solar energy production or 1.8% of the country’s total energy output. The solar industry in Slovenia is made up of 20 companies that generate an annual income of 100 Million Euros. The solar energy sector is forecasted to continue its growth in the next few years especially with the development of a 6 MW solar park in 2020.
Solar Energy Equipment Supply Capacity in Slovenia
There are a few local suppliers and manufacturers of solar power equipment in Slovenia. However, most of the solar panels and components that are used for solar installations in the country are exported from global and online suppliers.
Top Major Seaports & Logistics in Slovenia
There are several ports in Slovenia providing access to commercial, logistics, and trade activity. These ports are
- the Port of Koper,
- Port of Piran,
- the Port of Izola.
BIPV
What is a Building Integrated Photovoltaic or a BIPV?
Building Integrated Photovoltaics serves more than one purpose. BIPVs produce electricity by the piezoelectric effect and serve as protection for any structure.
BIPVs are installed to provide shed, block sunlight, and give a modern look to any building, all this while producing electricity from sunlight.
Where is a BIPV used?
A BIPV is integrated into a structure like conventional buildings. BIPVs replace glass windows with Solar windows, parking shed rooftops with solar roofs and solar shades in place of translucent covers. All these changes make the look of any structure modern while being extremely useful.
Types of Building Integrated Photovoltaics
Solar panels are silicon-based photovoltaic cells that produce electricity from sunlight. With micro adjustments according to the application, these cells transform into BIPVs. Based on various applications, there are broadly four types of BIPVs.
Image credit: Research Gate
- Solar-Facades: Solar Facades’ integration in building structures keeps the noise and air pollution out and gives any building a visual identity. This all while producing green energy.
- Solar-Window: Solar windows find their application both in residential and commercial properties. These windows look like any other windows but with solar modules.
- Solar-Roofs: Solar roofs like that of Tesla Energy in the USA are becoming popular. In conventional rooftops, these solar tiles replace asphalt tiles. Every tile acts as an individual cell and connects in series to generate electricity.
- PV-Sunshades: Parking lot sheds are the best example of PV-Sunshades. Additionally, these shades protect buildings from direct sunlight.
How does a BIPV work?
BIPVs use opaque or transparent solar cells connected in series to each other to give a substantial amount of current output. These photovoltaics are located in the portion of the building exposed to the sun the most.
What are big manufacturing brands of BIPVs?
Tesla Energy is one major brand in the USA backed by Elon Musk. They manufacture solar cell tiles for residential rooftops. Customers get a variety of tiles according to the required strength and size.
Some other contributors in this niche are:
- D2solar
- Mysolar USA
- Omnis Power USA Inc
- Redwood Renewables
- Skyco Skylights
- Solaria
- Sonali Solar USA
