The Utilization of Solar Energy in the Building Sector in Mediterranean Countries

Abstract

In the Mediterranean region, relatively high solar radiation rates are recorded throughout the year. A part of this radiation is harnessed in energy production. At the same time, the similar climatic conditions in the area, justify comparable energy needs in key sectors of energy consumption (e.g. building, rural). Therefore, the Mediterranean area is an appropriate field for comparison and evaluation of data concerning production and consumption of renewable energy and in particular, of solar energy. Based on the available statistics, this work studies the production and consumption of solar energy in the building sector in the Mediterranean countries. It studies the evolution of energy production from the Sun in relation to energy production from other renewable and non-renewable sources. It also identifies and examines the factors that impact, positively or negatively, on the exploitation of solar energy in the building sector in the region. Insofar as the data permit, the study specializes in different areas of exploitation of solar energy (e.g. electricity generation, photovoltaic, solar thermal). The findings help to optimize the utilization of solar energy in the Mediterranean region and areas with similar climatic conditions.