Iran Advances Energy Sovereignty with National Solar Power Initiative for Households
Tehran – In a significant move to bolster national energy security and diversify its power grid, the Iranian government is accelerating its push for renewable energy, with a major new focus on empowering households to become energy producers.
A Presidential Priority
The development of renewable energy sources has been a cornerstone of the 13th government’s policy to address the nation’s power balance. President Masoud Pezeshkian has personally emphasized the critical need to facilitate and encourage investment in this sector, taking a direct interest in its progress. This high-level political backing has been instrumental in driving the initiative forward.
Record Growth in Renewables
As a result of these concerted efforts, Iran’s renewable energy capacity has now surpassed 2,000 megawatts, marking a significant milestone. Experts point to a surge in public and private interest in solar power.
“The trend of adopting solar power plants has become very positive,” said Mehdi Goodarzi, a renewable energy specialist. “There is significant demand for the installation of these systems, and the development trend will continue.”
Empowering Households
To harness this potential, the Ministry of Energy and the SATBA organization (Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization) have launched a comprehensive program to develop rooftop solar power stations. This initiative is designed to allow citizens to directly benefit from solar energy.
Registration for these residential solar units is now officially open. Households can register through the “Mehrsan” system, SATBA’s official online platform.
How the Program Works
Reza Fattahi, Director General of SATBA’s Public Development Office, outlined the straightforward process for citizens. After registration, a technical review is conducted to assess the connection to the national grid. Once approved, a guaranteed purchase agreement is signed, and installation is carried out by pre-approved contractors.
A key feature of the program is its financial accessibility. “Upon registration, up to 80 percent of the costs are covered through banking facilities,” Fattahi stated, adding that “the initial investment for participants is returned within 3 to 4 years.”
A standard 5-kilowatt solar system not only powers a home but also enables owners to sell their surplus electricity back to the national grid, creating a new stream of income for families.
A Broader Market Vision
In a related development to fully integrate these decentralized power sources, SATBA has announced the creation of a “Virtual Power Plant” mechanism on the Energy Exchange. This allows for the aggregated sale of electricity from all small-scale renewable producers, including household solar systems, fostering a dynamic and competitive green energy market within the country.
This national solar initiative represents a strategic step towards a more resilient and self-sufficient energy future for Iran, actively engaging its citizens in the process.