European Solar Days

International campaign aimed on promotion of solar energy use.

The first Solar Day was held in Austria in 2002. It’s success Positive feedback inspired the initiators to a pan-European campaign. Since 2008, various events (fairs, exhibitions, presentations, solar-powered vehicles races, conferences, discussions, etc.) are held in different European countries, particularly active are Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy and Spain, which willingly share their experience on the distribution of solar energy with other countries.

Campaign of 2012, encompassed about 8000 events organized by local authorities, schools, companies, schools and numerous public and arts associations involving about 600 000  participants in 20 countries all over Europe.

European Union seeks to increase the share of renewables in overall energy balance to 20% by 2020, great hopes on solar energy: solar photovoltaic energy can satisfy 12% of demand in the EU electricity by 2020, and solar thermal energy - up to 3, 6% of low-temperature demand.

The potential of solar energy is essential to achieve the ambitious goals in tackling of climate change, as this energy could be produced where it is needed, provides energy independence at the local, regional and individual levels. Using the potential of solar energy will create thousands of new jobs. Solar thermal and photovoltaic installations do not produce polluting gases and emissions. Sun can provide stability and reliability of energy supply and independence that is essential in the current situation of energy crisis.

Transition to solar energy is possible and desirable to European society. European Solar Day is intended to demonstrate the benefits of solar energy - free, clean and endless. Annual potential of solar radiation on the Earth is many times greater than the global resources of gas, oil, coal and uranium if taken together.

First Ukrainian Solar Day was organized in Kiev in May 2011.

Ukraine has significant potential for solar energy, particularly favourable conditions are in Crimea, Mykolaiv, Kherson and Odessa regions. Solar systems are able to generate both electricity and heat In our climate almost in all Ukrainian regions (with varying efficiency) throughout the year. With the development of technology, production and demand the prices for thermal and solar electric installation are going down. Thus during past 25 years solar cells prices decreased almost 20 times, and some domestic companies offer solar heat systems with payback periods of 2-5 years. It is expected that solar energy will become more available, and will create serious competition for traditional forms of energy. Currently, Ukraine is among the five countries (Ukraine, USA, Japan, Germany, and China) that have the most powerful scientific and technological background for solar energy development.

 

More information about this year campaign on our Ukrainian page.

 

About European Solar Days 2013 in Ukraine.

 

Green Dossier is Ukrainian National Coordinator of the European Solar Days.

 

You are welcome to join!