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Growing Number of Prosumers in Serbia
The number of electricity consumer-producers, known as prosumers, in Serbia has been steadily increasing each year. According to data from Elektrodistribucija Srbije, there are currently 3,028 registered prosumers, with households making up the majority, using this method to reduce their energy bills.
Impact of the Energy Crisis
The energy crisis triggered by the conflict in Ukraine has led to rising prices for gas, oil, and electricity, prompting many to consider alternative energy sources, primarily solar energy.
Cost and Investment in Solar Panels
The cost of installing solar panels in Serbia varies depending on several factors, including system size and roof type, but it generally ranges from €1,000 to €1,200 per installed kilowatt. Therefore, a six-kilowatt solar system would require a minimum investment of €6,000.
Rising Interest in Solar Energy
Interest in solar panels has surged in recent years, as noted by Vujica Samailović from Noleko, a company specializing in the installation of solar panels, construction of solar power plants, and the production of electricity from renewable sources for over a decade. According to Samailović, “There is a transition towards green renewable sources, and there is high demand for green energy both in Serbia and the region. Our company handles the construction and installation, with panels mostly being imported. Generally, there are two types of solar panel investments—ground installation and roof installation. Our primary clients are companies installing panels on their roofs to save costs, but there is a growing number of private individuals investing in green energy, thanks to state subsidies, installing solar panels on their homes and cottages.”
Future Market Predictions
He further believes that while current interest is significant, it might not last indefinitely. “I think the market expansion will continue until 2030, after which capacities will decrease, and consumers will turn to other renewable sources,” he says.
Installation Considerations and Types of Systems
When installing solar panels, it is crucial to understand that the square footage of the heated space is less important than the number of consumers within it. Technology now allows for the use of solar energy on multiple floors of a house without needing solar energy on each floor, allowing for flexible usage. Unlike traditional methods where large appliances (washing machines, dryers, boilers) are used at night, with solar energy, the rule is to use as many appliances as possible around noon.
There are two types of solar systems: grid-tied and battery-based. If a consumer has electricity and wishes to reduce their monthly electricity bills, they use a grid-tied system—everything produced by the solar panels is immediately consumed. Battery-based solar systems, which include batteries for storing energy, provide independence from the existing grid and are primarily used in locations without electricity access.
Understanding the Prosumer Status
The prosumer status was introduced into Serbian legislation in 2021. According to current regulations, prosumers produce electricity for their own needs using solar power plants, and excess energy generated during sunny days is fed into the grid.
There are currently about three thousand prosumers in the country, and this number is growing monthly. Households dominate, but producers also include monasteries, schools, and kindergartens.
Overcoming Early Challenges in Solar Energy
According to previous reports and data from UNDP, two main obstacles previously hindered the expansion of solar energy use. Early photovoltaic units were sensitive to local climate factors like extreme heat, humidity, and sand, which could reduce the amount of energy they produced. Recent technical advancements in manufacturing more durable solar panels mean that photovoltaic units can remain efficient even in harsh conditions. Additionally, in the early stages of solar energy development, the cost of producing electricity from solar panels was significantly higher than other energy sources. Technical improvements over the past decade have substantially reduced these costs, making the mass production of photovoltaic solar power plants economically viable and widely applicable.
Serbia’s Path Towards Energy Decarbonization
As a country aspiring to join the European Union, Serbia is obligated to align its energy development vision with EU member states, aiming to decarbonize its energy sector by 2050 by phasing out coal use, as stated by the Minister of Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović.
