Iran Promotes 15 GW of Small-Scale Solar to Alleviate Power Shortages

Iran is advancing a plan to deploy 15 gigawatts (GW) of small-scale solar power across residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors to mitigate rising power demand and supply instability. The initiative, submitted by the Iran Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA), aims to expand distributed energy systems, including rooftop solar combined with batteries. Mohsen Tarzalab, SATBA's CEO, highlighted the need for domestic manufacturing and imports to accelerate small-scale solar installations. The strategy aligns with a broader shift toward decentralized energy sources, which can reduce local grid strain. SATBA also emphasizes training programs for installation and maintenance, with 17 new educational centers launched recently to cultivate 200,000 renewable energy professionals over five years. A solar fund, launching within weeks, will enable residential and commercial customers to invest in solar projects through equity participation. Iran aims to achieve 12 GW of renewable energy capacity by year-end, though delays in equipment imports, funding, and grid capacity remain challenges.