Environmental research

Technology development in the solar industry continues to accelerate at an unprecedented rate providing lower prices as well as more user friendly products. The penetration of solar technologies in the local markets is frequently slowed down by a combination of lack of information as well as financial restrains in meeting the higher cost of the initial investment. Typically SGP projects must be built on the interests of the local communities in embracing bigger Global goals championed by GEF as the only guarantee for building ownership of projects and outcomes in the target communities. A combination of solar technologies (water heaters and PV panels) has proven itself to be very attractive in the context of small guest houses in the remote mountain areas in Albania. When combined with other small improvements in the hosting conditions, the guest houses have proven to be a significant generator of additional income in an otherwise low income reality. The project will consist in providing guest houses with a solar water heater and a small PV system. The project is co-financed by Dick Sisman & Associates Limited, Tourism Industry Carbon Offset Service (TICOS).

Albania