The Istog_Devolli photovoltaic project is a utility-scale grid-connected solar power plant designed to contribute to Albania’s renewable energy targets and diversification of electricity generation sources. The project is developed in line with national energy policies promoting solar generation and reducing dependency on hydropower.
The plant is located in a hilly terrain in the Novi Tučep area within the Devoll Municipality. The site characteristics include moderate elevation (approximately 539 m above sea level) and favorable solar irradiation conditions, as determined using Meteonorm-based meteorological data. The layout adopts a ground-mounted system with fixed-tilt structures optimized at 30° inclination and south orientation to maximize annual yield.
The installation comprises high-efficiency bifacial photovoltaic modules with a total installed DC capacity of 53.39 MWp, connected to a 50 MW AC grid interface. The system integrates 78,520 PV modules arranged in strings across 1,482 mounting structures. Energy conversion is handled by 20 central inverters, ensuring efficient DC to AC transformation and grid compliance at 110 kV connection level.
The project incorporates optimized spacing and shading management, including linear shading analysis and bifacial gain considerations, enhancing performance with an estimated annual production of approximately 75.33 GWh and a performance ratio of 87.8%.
Electrical infrastructure includes medium-voltage collection systems, step-up transformers, and transmission lines connecting to the grid injection point. Environmental considerations include minimal land disturbance, optimized ground coverage ratio, and reduced losses through efficient system design.
The plant is designed for a 25-year operational lifecycle, with degradation and maintenance factors accounted for in energy yield projections, ensuring long-term reliability and sustainability.
