NGO Green Home organized a round table on the development and utilization of solar potential in Montenegro, where current initiatives and policies for solar energy production, as well as the challenges and problems present in this field, were discussed.
One of the conclusions of this meeting is that it is necessary to improve the system, enhance the level of administrative organization, and provide citizens with clear and accessible information that would help them better understand the energy transition and its significance.
It was also highlighted that special attention should be paid to the impact of building large solar power plants on the environment, and that locations that are natural and would be affected should be avoided.
At the round table, a survey on the satisfaction of users of solar power plants in Montenegro was presented, which included citizens and companies that have installed solar panels on their roofs through projects 500+ and 3000+ as well as on their own initiative. This survey indicates that one of the biggest challenges for wider adoption of solar energy are time consuming administrative procedures and the lack of initial investment funds. Users stated in interviews that they do not have enough information about the impact of solar panels on increasing the energy efficiency of their facilities, reducing emissions of harmful substances, and saving on electricity bills. They also expressed concerns about the limited availability and clarity of information about subsidies, which often do not inspire complete confidence in the project.
During the discussion, the significant potential for installing solar panels in northern Montenegro was highlighted, where location characteristics significantly contribute to the efficiency of these systems. However, concerns were also raised regarding projects such as Solar power plant Briska gora, which remains a current topic due to its high biodiversity values that are at risk of negative impacts in case of construction, as well as the issue of the unclear state strategy regarding waste that will arise when solar panels reach the end.
