Exploitation of solar energy in Cyprus

Abstract

This paper reviews the application of solar energy technology in Cyprus and presents an energy analysis with emphasis on the contribution of solar energy to the energy consumption in the island. The almost full reliance of Cyprus on imported oil to meet its energy demand, together with the abundance of solar radiation and a good technological base, created favourable conditions for the exploitation and development of solar energy in the island. Cyprys began manufacturing solar water heaters in the early 1960s and today it produces more than 30,000 m 2 of solar collectors yearly. It is estimated that more than 130,000 solar water heaters are in operation providing the equivalent of 9% of the total electricity consumption in the country; this corresponds to, approximately, 4% of the national energy consumption. However, the use of solar energy for space heating and cooling provides a further challenge, because it does not appear to be economic under the climatic conditions and system design practices currently prevailing in Cyprus. The paper provides a statistical analysis of the energy demand and identifies areas of further growth for solar energy technology.