As of 2023, Belarus’s total installed solar power capacity is 273 MW.⁵

Exact figure is not given but;

The Belarusian government aims to generate 10% of its total power from renewable energy in Belarus by 2030, targeting a 25% to 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels.⁶

Natural Gas ⁷

Based on data from Belenergo, the Belarusian power company, the average cost of electricity generation in Belarus, predominantly from natural gas, is approximately $0.071 per kWh.

Nuclear Power ⁸

Nuclear energy is competitive in Belarus, with overnight costs of $1,960/kW and a levelized electricity cost of 5.81 cents/kWh.

Coal  ⁸

Coal has an overnight cost of $1,175/kW with a levelized cost of 6.52 cents/kWh.

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On average, it occurs 5 to 10 times during spring and autumn, though it is relatively rare in winter. Each occurrence lasts between 1 and 5 hours.⁹

Current installation ¹⁰

As of 2021, solar power usage in Belarus is limited, with very few homes equipped with solar energy systems due to the country’s underdeveloped solar power infrastructure.

Projected installations ¹¹

Exact number is not given but;

• The INFORSE Vision2050 for Belarus outlines a transition to renewable energy by 2050, including the gradual development of solar power (PV) across the country. By 2050, it is expected that Belarus will achieve a total solar energy capacity equivalent to 8 m² per person.

Installed Solar Farms ¹²

According to available data, Belarus currently operates approximately 63 solar photovoltaic (PV) plants.

 Projected Solar Farms ⁶

Exact projected number is not available but;

• Belarus aims to generate 10% of its total power from renewable energy sources, including solar, by 2030.

Current Off-Grid Market Demand in Belarus:¹³

• The off-grid solar market in Belarus is gradually evolving, driven by the need for energy independence and diversification of energy sources. Approximately 1.78 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity has been established in projects like the Mogilev region plant, generating 1,600 MWh annually and reducing CO₂ emissions by 770 tonnes. Such initiatives, supported by financing programs like BelSEFF and international donors (e.g., the Czech Republic), reflect increasing interest in renewable energy.
• Community-level adoption is also growing. For example, the SOS Children’s Village in Maryina Gorka, with UNDP and GEF SGP support, installed solar panels on five homes, cutting summer electricity use by 64% and reducing emissions by 22,500 kg annually. Complementary technologies, like a wind generator used to power playground lighting, further showcase the role of off-grid systems in underserved communities.

Future Off-Grid Market Demand in Belarus:¹⁴

• The demand for off-grid solar solutions in Belarus is expected to rise significantly as renewable energy integration becomes central to the country’s energy strategy. Future projects will likely focus on expanding solar microgrids, scaling community-based systems, and supporting eco-friendly developments like the planned skate park and ecological trail in Maryina Gorka.
• Improved financing options (e.g., BelSEFF) and declining costs of solar technologies will further accelerate adoption. Educational efforts, such as physics lessons and energy efficiency workshops in the SOS Children’s Village, are expected to enhance community awareness and participation in sustainable energy initiatives.
• With continued investments, the off-grid solar market in Belarus will address energy challenges, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to sustainable development goals. The sector is projected to see steady growth, supporting both environmental and socioeconomic progress.

¹⁰

Current On-Grid Solar Market Demand in Belarus:

• The on-grid solar market in Belarus is experiencing a gradual expansion as the country seeks to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. As of 2021, Belarus had a total installed capacity of over 150 MW of solar power, with several solar farms contributing to the grid. Notable projects include the 5.7-5.8 MW solar farm in Molodechno (launched in 2016), and the 55 MW solar farm in Rechytsa, which became the largest in the country in 2017. These projects are part of the Belarusian government’s strategy to increase solar capacity and promote renewable energy integration into the national grid.
• The demand for solar power is also bolstered by the state’s commitment to connect renewable energy sources to the national grid and purchase energy generated from these systems. As of 2020, the government set a target to increase the total capacity of solar power plants to 250 MW, signaling a growing push for clean energy.

Future On-Grid Solar Market Demand in Belarus:

• The on-grid solar market in Belarus is expected to see significant growth in the coming years. With the government’s goal to diversify the energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the demand for solar power is likely to increase, driven by further solar farm projects and increased capacity. The largest solar power plant in the country, a 109 MW facility in the Mogilev region, is set to enhance the grid’s capacity and contribute to the country’s renewable energy goals.
• By 2030, it is anticipated that solar energy will play a more prominent role in Belarus’s national grid, as large-scale projects and state policies push for cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. With the government’s support and favorable regulations for integrating solar power into the grid, the market for on-grid solar systems will likely grow rapidly, providing more affordable and cleaner electricity to both urban and rural areas.

A Solar Photovoltaic Installer working in Brest typically earns around $8,530 USD per year, with salaries ranging from approximately $5,145 USD to $12,770 USD, depending on experience and qualifications.¹⁵

The current population of Belarus is 9,034,281.¹⁶

Estimate for Factory Rent

Monthly Average Warehouse Rental Cost ¹⁷

The lowest rent is $6.53 USD/month for a 487 m² warehouse in Chaciezynski sielski Saviet, and the highest rent is $8,219.34 USD/month for a 900 m² warehouse in Vialikaje Sciklieva.

Key Components of Administrative Costs

Salaries and Wages: ¹⁵

A Solar Photovoltaic Installer working in Brest typically earns around $8,530 USD per year, with salaries ranging from approximately $5,145 USD to $12,770 USD, depending on experience and qualifications.

Commercial Electricity Prices ³

In Belarus, the electricity price for businesses is around USD 0.099 per kWh.

Monthly Rents for Office Space ¹⁸

The lowest rent is $5.47 USD/month for a 38 m² office in Kalodishchy, Belarus, and the highest rent is $28,087.80 /month for a 579 m² office in Minsk, Belarus.

Electricity Generation ¹⁹

• In 2022, Belarus generated 39.4 billion kWh of electricity, with consumption reaching 38.6 billion kWh. The country has also completed its first nuclear power plant, which consists of two power-generating units with a total output capacity of 2,400 MW.
• Main source of generation is natural gas

 Transmission & Distribution ²⁰

• Belarus’s power grid spans 279,730 kilometers of transmission, distribution, and interconnection lines, supported by 1,357 transformer substations. Distribution lines primarily operate at 0.4 kV to 35 kV, while 110 kV lines handle both distribution and transmission. The main transmission network includes 110–330 kV transmission lines, substations, and high-pressure power plant switchgears.
• For regional interconnections, the grid features one 750-kV overhead line and three 330-kV lines connecting Belarus with the Russian Federation. Additionally, there are two 330-kV lines to Ukraine, five 330-kV lines to Lithuania, and connections to Poland via one 220-kV and two 110-kV lines. Belarus also facilitates electricity transit from mainland Russia to Kaliningrad and Poland. However, following the commissioning of Belarus’s nuclear power plant, Lithuania has blocked electricity inflows from Belarus.

 Energy Access ²¹

• Belarus enjoys near-universal access to electricity, with World Bank data indicating that the entire population has access, reflecting a high level of energy availability. However, the country’s energy security heavily relies on imported oil and gas, primarily from Russia, making the diversification of energy sources a key priority in its energy policy.

Energy Exports ²²

Belarus’ top exports include potassic fertilizers ($1.89B), refined petroleum ($797M), rapeseed oil ($540M), sawn wood ($451M), and tractors ($311M). The country primarily exports to China ($1.6B), Ukraine ($1.29B), Poland ($933M), Kazakhstan ($827M), and Lithuania ($778M)

Belarus’s energy sector policy and regulations reflect its goals to enhance energy security, promote renewable energy, and increase energy efficiency. Key points relevant to solar energy include:²⁰

1. Electricity Supply and Grid Access:
   • The Resolution of the Council of Ministers No. 1394 (amended in 2020) governs grid connections, obliging regional electricity companies to facilitate access for renewable energy producers and mandates real-time data sharing.
2. Energy Efficiency Legislation:
   • The Law on Energy Savings (2015) promotes the use of energy-efficient technologies and equipment, which can include solar energy systems.
3. Development Plans and Programmes:
   • The State Programme for Energy Saving (2021–2025) includes provisions for increased renewable energy deployment, energy efficiency, and support for biomass and electric heat pumps, indirectly complementing solar energy integration.
4. Challenges and Progress:
   • The 2016–2020 targets for renewable energy, including solar PV, were not fully met due to insufficient concrete measures for implementation.
   • Solar energy’s share is increasing gradually but requires additional legislative support for widespread adoption.
5. The Law on Renewable Energy Sources (2011)
   • serves as a foundational framework for the development and regulation of the renewable energy sector in Belarus. It establishes key definitions of renewable technologies and clarifies the rights and responsibilities of producers in the sector. The law prioritizes the sustainable growth and efficient utilization of renewable energy resources, emphasizing their integration as a strategic component of Belarus’s energy policies.
   • Key provisions of the law include economic incentives such as feed-in tariffs, tax reliefs, and other forms of financial support to attract investors and facilitate the growth of renewable energy projects. Additionally, it guarantees renewable energy installations access to the national grid, ensuring producers can contribute effectively to the country’s energy mix. A registry system for renewable energy producers is mandated, alongside certification to confirm energy produced from renewable sources.

In conclusion, while Belarus has clear renewable energy targets and supporting legislation for energy efficiency, solar energy growth faces challenges such as unmet capacity goals, reliance on broader energy policies, and the absence of a fully developed electricity market framework. Continued legislative efforts and specific measures will be critical for advancing solar energy integration.

Belarus has taken some steps to promote solar energy, though there is limited direct reference to initiatives specifically targeting solar panel production. Here’s a summary of related government efforts that may influence solar panel production, investments, and subsidies:²⁰

1. Financial Resources and State Programmes:
   • The State Programme for Energy Saving (2021–2025) allocates financial resources to promote renewable energy development, which may include supporting local solar panel production.
   • Previous initiatives, such as the 2016–2020 State Programme for Energy Saving, outlined specific renewable energy deployment targets, indicating government interest in scaling up solar energy, indirectly supporting the production sector.
2. Indirect Support through Energy Policies:
   • Legislative frameworks, such as the Resolution No. 1394 on grid access, create favourable conditions for solar energy producers, indirectly benefiting local panel manufacturers by increasing demand.
   • Efforts to reduce energy intensity and diversify the energy mix create a broader market for renewable technologies, including solar panels.
3. Green feed-in tariff:
   • In Belarus, a “green feed-in tariff” is a government-supported policy designed to encourage investment in renewable energy projects. It guarantees producers of electricity from renewable sources, such as solar or wind, a higher-than-market price for the electricity they feed into the national grid. This financial incentive ensures that renewable energy generation is economically viable for individuals and companies, fostering the development of renewable infrastructure and supporting the transition to a more sustainable energy system.

²³²⁴¹⁰

Current Projects

Project Name: Velcom Bragin Solar PV Park

• Location: Gomel, Belarus
• Capacity: 3 MW
• Starting Date: Commissioned in August 2016
• Other Details: The solar project is ground-mounted, covering an area of 41 hectares. It consists of 85,000 solar modules. The project was developed in a single phase and is currently active.

Project Name: 55 MW Solar PV Power Plant

• Location: Rechitsa District, Belarus
• Capacity: 55 MW
• Starting Date: Launched in August 2013
• Other Details: The plant uses 218,000 solar panels provided by Slovenian manufacturer Bisol. Initially, the capacity was planned for 50 MW, but it was later increased to 55 MW. It became the largest operational PV plant in Belarus as of 2017. The construction of the project was delayed but resumed in 2013, with yield reports provided by meteocontrol GmbH.

Project Name: Solar Farm in Molodechno

• Location: Molodechno, Belarus
• Capacity: 7-5.8 MW
• Starting Date: June 2016
• Details: This solar farm was the largest in Belarus at the time, surpassing previous projects in Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland.

Project Name: Solar II Farm

• Location: Bragin District, Belarus
• Capacity: 17 MW
• Starting Date: August 2016
• Details: Opened in August 2016, it was more than three times the capacity of the previous solar farm in the region.

Project Name: Largest Photo-Electric Power Station (Planned)

• Location: Cherykaw District, Mogilev Region, Belarus
• Capacity: 109 MWp
• Starting Date: Planned for 2019
• Details: The largest solar power project in Belarus, planned by the Byelorussian construction company CJSC “Belzarubezhstroi,” set to be completed in 2019.

Future Projects

Not available

²⁵

Eco-Engineering ALC

is a solar system installer based in Minsk, Belarus. The company specializes in smaller solar installations and offers battery storage solutions.

Key Information:

• Location: Room 5, d. 22, st. Volodko, Minsk, 220007, Belarus
• Contact: +375 29 6095599
• Website: green-energy.by

Products and Services:

• Battery Storage: Yes
• Panel Suppliers: Jinko Solar, Einnova Solarline Energy, Sila OOO
• Inverter Suppliers: Xiamen Kehua, Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR, Ningbo Deye Inverter Technology
• Installation Size: Smaller Installations
• Operating Area: Belarus

ООО Ferdinal Group

is a solar system installer located in Minsk, Belarus, specializing in smaller solar installations. They also offer battery storage solutions.

Key Information:

• Location: Off. 114-115, 1st Floor, 7, Maxim Goretsky St., Minsk, 220078, Belarus
• Contact: +375 17 2381201
• Website: by

Services:

• Battery Storage: Yes
• Installation Size: Smaller Installations
• Operating Area: Belarus

ООО Glavenergo

is a solar system installer based in Minsk, Belarus, focusing on smaller solar installations. They also provide battery storage solutions.

Key Information:

• Location: Office 1216, vulica Mielieža 1, Minsk, Belarus
• Contact: +375 33 3333333
• Website: org/solarbattery.by

Services:

• Battery Storage: Yes
• Installation Size: Smaller Installations
• Operating Area: Belarus