As of 2024, Bulgaria’s total installed solar power capacity is 2937 MW.⁵

Bulgaria aims to install seven gigawatts (GW) of new solar capacity by 2030 and plans to increase its total solar capacity to 12 GW by 2050.⁶

Nuclear ⁷

The electricity from the new Kozloduy reactors in Bulgaria is expected to cost approximately USD 69 per megawatt hour (MWh).

Natural gas ⁸

In 2021, the cost of electricity generation from natural gas for industries in Bulgaria was approximately USD 0.022 per kilowatt hour for those with an annual consumption of over 100,000 gigajoules, and USD 0.026 per kilowatt hour for those with lower annual consumption.

Wind ⁹

The average cost for a unit of generated electricity from bottom-fixed installations is estimated at USD 66-96 per MWh. The average cost for a unit of generated electricity from floating installations is estimated at USD 128-169 per MWh.

Solar ¹⁰

The EWRC has determined the estimated market price (i.e., reference price) for producers of electricity from solar energy to be approximately USD 76.87 per MWh.

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• The stability of the power grid in Bulgaria varies by region. In Sveti Vlas, power outages occur weekly during the tourist season due to overload, but they usually last less than an hour.
• In winter, outages are often caused by construction and can last up to half a day. However, outages at night are rare.
• In some rural areas, particularly during storms, outages can be longer but they are generally resolved quickly.
• The longest reported outage in rural areas was around 18 hours.

Current installation ¹³

• Over 2,000 households in Bulgaria currently utilize solar panels.
• The country’s interest in solar energy is growing rapidly, with solar power contributing 12% of Bulgaria’s electricity generation in 2023.

Projected installations ¹⁴

Total projected number is not available but;

• Bulgaria’s NECP targets a 27% share of renewable energy by 2030 but sets a modest goal of 2.6% for solar PV in electricity production by 2040.

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Installed Solar Farms

As of now, Bulgaria has a total of 10 operational solar farms.

Projected Solar Farms

Additionally, there are 13 projected solar farms planned for development in the coming years.

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Current Off-Grid Solar Demand

• Currently, Bulgaria’s State Fund Agriculture has approved 37 off-grid photovoltaic projects in rural areas, with subsidies totaling over USD 6.7 million.
• These projects are primarily aimed at supporting smaller-scale, off-grid solar installations. Each project has a maximum value of EUR 200,000, with the state covering 80% of the cost.
• These off-grid systems are designed to help local businesses reduce their energy expenses and are eligible for long-term contracts to sell the generated electricity at preferential tariffs.

Projected Future Off-Grid Solar Demand

• Looking forward, Bulgaria plans to invest approximately USD 28.6 million in additional off-grid solar projects.
• This future funding will support the development of more off-grid photovoltaic systems in rural areas, focusing on small-scale installations that enhance energy independence and efficiency for micro-enterprises.
• The projected investment reflects a growing emphasis on expanding off-grid solar solutions to bolster local energy resilience and support rural economic development.

Bulgaria has made notable strides in integrating Bulgaria solar energy into its power grid, reflecting a significant commitment to renewable energy sources.

Current Grid Demand for Solar Panels¹⁸

• As of early 2024, Bulgaria’s installed solar PV capacity is nearing 3 GW. The rapid expansion of the sector is evident, with the total capacity rising from approximately 1 GW at the end of 2020 to nearly 3 GW by the end of 2023.
• In 2024, Bulgaria expects to connect between 1 GW and 1.5 GW of new solar PV capacity, which would bring the total installed capacity to about 4.5 GW.
• The increase in installed capacity has been facilitated by favorable policies, declining costs of PV modules, and advances in solar technology.

Projected Grid Demand for Solar Panels¹⁹

• Bulgaria is projected to continue its robust expansion in solar energy. The country aims to meet its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) target of 7 GW of solar capacity by 2030.
• The projected annual increase in solar capacity is estimated to range from 450 to 750 MW over the next three to four years. This indicates a sustained growth trajectory in the grid demand for solar panels.
• The Bulgarian Association for Production, Storage, and Trading of Electricity (APSTE) has indicated that the country’s solar capacity has tripled since 2020, underscoring the strong and expanding role of solar energy in Bulgaria’s power grid.

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• A Solar Photovoltaic Installer in Bulgaria typically earns around $12,300 USD per year.
• The salary can range from approximately $5,700 USD at the lowest end to about $19,600 USD at the highest end.

The current population of Bulgaria is 6,748,917.²¹

Estimate for Factory Rent

Monthly Average Warehouse Rental Cost ²²

This table summarizes the rental costs based on the warehouse size categories in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Key Components of Administrative Costs

Salaries and Wages: ²⁰

• A Solar Photovoltaic Installer in Bulgaria typically earns around $12,300 USD per year.
• The salary can range from approximately $5,700 USD at the lowest end to about $19,600 USD at the highest end.

Monthly Rents for Office Space ²³

• Office rentals in Bulgaria start from approximately $79 to $339 per person per month.
• These rates are based on Regus.com and are for a 24-month contract.

Electricity Generation ¹⁵

• Total electricity production in 2022 has reached 49.4 TWh, while demand was 37.8 TWh. Per capita production as of 2022 was 7,458 kWh, the highest in Southeastern Europe.
• The main sources of electricity generation were fossil fuels and nuclear power.
• Bulgaria is aiming for over 27% renewables by 2030.

 Transmission & Distribution ²⁴

• In Bulgaria, the transmission of electricity is managed by the state-owned company Bulgarian Electricity Transmission System Operator (BETSO).
• Bulgaria’s transmission system consists of high-voltage lines operating at 110 kV, 220 kV, and 400 kV

 Energy Access ²⁵

• Bulgaria has 100% access to electricity for its population.

Energy Exports ²⁶

• Electricity: In 2022, Bulgaria exported electricity valued at $1.62 billion, positioning itself as the 22nd largest electricity exporter globally. The primary destinations for Bulgaria’s electricity exports included Romania, Slovenia, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Denmark.
• Oil Products: In 2023, Bulgaria’s oil product exports totaled 3.5 million tons, reflecting a 15% decrease compared to 2022.

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Solar Panel Regulations in Bulgaria

Grid Connection

• Projects with installed capacities of 5 megawatts (MW) or more must connect to the high voltage transmission grid operated by the state-owned Electricity System Operator EAD (ESO).
• Projects with capacities below 5 MW connect to licensed distribution operators.
• Grid connection contracts are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. A formal tender process for new renewable energy projects may be introduced by the end of 2023.

Licensing

• Renewable energy projects exceeding 20 MW require licensing by the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC).
• As of 2023, renewable energy plants with total installed capacities up to 20 MW no longer require a licensing procedure, simplifying the process for investors.

Feed-in Tariffs and Premiums:

• Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs) are applicable only to producers with installed capacities less than 0.5 MW.
• Larger projects are supported by premiums from the Bulgarian Energy Security Systems Fund (ESSF) as a top-up to the Feed-in Tariff. Premiums are determined by EWRC and are based on net specific production.

Storage:

• Electricity storage facilities are not subject to licensing procedures, but operators must use facilities constructed for energy storage.
• New legislation introduced an exchange market for guarantees of origin, promoting transparency in ‚green‘ certificate values.

Amendments to the Energy from Renewable Sources Act (October 3, 2023):

• Bulgaria’s National Assembly passed changes to the Energy from Renewable Sources Act, accelerating the permitting process for green energy production and regulating citizen energy communities.
• Developers of utility-scale renewable electricity plants must provide a guarantee of $ 25,600 per MW of planned capacity, while investors in self-consumption systems are exempted.
• The Act introduces net billing and virtual net billing for prosumers and promotes renewable and synthetic fuels in transportation.

Bulgaria has implemented several initiatives to encourage households to adopt solar energy through financial incentives and subsidies, aimed at boosting renewable energy use and improving energy efficiency.²⁹²⁸

Household Solar Rebate Scheme

• Total Fund: $134 million.
• Eligible Systems: Households can install solar water heating systems, rooftop photovoltaic (PV) arrays (up to 10 kWp), and battery energy storage systems.
• Subsidy for Solar Water Heating: Up to 100% of the cost, with a cap of $1,070.
• Subsidy for Solar PV Systems: Up to 70% of the cost, with a maximum subsidy of $8,150
• Conditions: To be eligible, households must use inefficient heating systems like wood or coal-burning stoves or fireplaces. The home must also be the applicant’s permanent residence. Applications are open until November 10, 2024.

National Recovery and Resilience Plan Subsidy

• Total Fund: $132 million
• Solar Thermal Collectors: 100% financing for solar thermal collectors, with a maximum grant of $1,065 per household.
• Photovoltaic Systems: Up to 70% of the cost of solar PV systems, with a maximum subsidy of $8,170
• Eligibility: Only households using inefficient solid fuel heating systems (e.g., wood, coal) qualify for the program. Households must prove that the property is their primary residence and cannot sell excess electricity generated; they must use the energy themselves.

Financial Incentives for Energy Storage:

• No licensing requirement for energy storage facilities.
• Bulgaria has launched a subsidy program worth $134 million to support households in installing solar panels and solar collectors for their own use.
• Of this amount, $76 million is funded by the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, with the remaining $58 million covered by the Bulgarian government and household contributions.

Solar Thermal Collectors and Photovoltaic Systems:

• The government is offering 100% grants for solar thermal collectors.
• Households can receive up to $1,101 for installing these systems.
• For photovoltaic (PV) systems, households are eligible for up to 70% funding.
• The maximum grant per household is $8,235 for systems with a peak capacity of up to 10 kW.

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Current Projects

Verila Solar Park

• Capacity: 123 MW
• Location: Southern slope of Verila Mountain, near Dupnitsa, southwest Bulgaria
• Investment: Approximately (USD 112.3 million)
• Details: The largest solar park in Bulgaria, supplying electricity to Yettel and Cetin Bulgaria under a 10-year power purchase agreement. The project is situated on hilly terrain, covering over 1,300 decares (321.2 acres).

Dalgo Pole Solar Park

• Location: Dalgo Pole, Bulgaria
• Capacity: 66 MW
• Details: The Dalgo Solar Plant is a 66 MW photovoltaic park located near Dalgo Pole in the municipality of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Built by SENS LSG, a joint venture between Steag Solar Energy Solutions and LSG, the plant features over 122,300 panels on solar trackers, which follow the sun’s movement to maximize energy output. It is expected to generate 100 GWh of electricity annually and reduce carbon emissions by 47,000 metric tons per year

Electrohold Maglizh Solar PV Project

• Location: Maglizh, Bulgaria
• Capacity: 100 MW
• Details: Currently in the permitting stage, this project is slated for commissioning by 2024. It is part of Electrohold’s effort to enhance Bulgaria’s solar energy infrastructure.

Future Projects

Tenovo Solar PV Park

• Location: Yambol, Bulgaria
• Capacity: 250 MW
• Details: This project is under construction and developed by Eura Energy. It is expected to become operational in 2025, representing a significant addition to Bulgaria’s solar energy capacity.

Ogosta Dam Solar PV Park

• Location: Montana, Bulgaria
• Capacity: 500 MW
• Details: This large-scale project is in the permitting stage and is being developed by Profine Energy. It is anticipated to commence commercial operations in 2026, marking a major development in Bulgaria’s solar energy sector.

Knizhovnik Solar PV Park

• Location: Haskovo, Bulgaria
• Capacity: 400 MW
• Details: Currently in the permitting stage and developed by Enery BG 1, this project is expected to come online by 2026. It aims to significantly boost Bulgaria’s solar energy capacity.

St George Solar PV Park

• Location: Silistra, Bulgaria
• Capacity: 229 MW
• Details: This project, being developed by Rezolv Energy, is in the permitting stage and is expected to be commissioned by 2025. It represents a key addition to the renewable energy landscape in Bulgaria.

Company Name: Global Solar Bulgaria

Location: 150 Bulgaria Blvd., Haskovo, 6300, Bulgaria

Website: solarbulgaria.eu

Products and Services:

1. Products: Solar panels, batteries, inverters, accessories
2. Services: Production of solar panels, system design and installation, quality control, surveillance and monitoring of systems

Company Name: Enery Bulgaria

Location: Sq. Pozitano 2, 4th fl., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria

Website: https://enery.energy/en/enery-bulgaria/

Products and Services:

• Products: Photovoltaic power plants
• Services: Operations & Maintenance (O&M), monitoring of photovoltaic power plants, energy trading, legal and IT services

Company Name: Bulgarian Solar Company (BSCompany)

Location: Bulgaria

Website: bsc-bg.com

Products and Services:

• Products: Not specified
• Services:
  • Mechanical and electrical installations of photovoltaic (PV) power plants
  • Ground-mounted structures (fixed and tracking)
  • Roof-top installations
  • Carport installations