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Among all RET resources, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are the most widely used off-grid solutions in remote and rural regions . This is due to the presence of abundant solar irradiance in most parts of the world and the decreasing cost of PV systems and accessories.
It is also demonstrated in IEA-PVPS Report T9-13:2013 that PV hybrid systems are technically and economically feasible as a standalone off-grid power supply system for remote and rural communities worldwide .
Therefore, off-grid solutions are considered an integral part of the standalone off-grid power supply (SOPS) systems in the remote and rural areas by energy planners. Diesel-powered systems are primarily chosen to electrify these areas due to low capital cost and consolidated supply chain in the regions .
A study conducted by Lombardi et al. (2016) proposed a framework to be used for planning new isolated power systems or upgrading the old ones in remote Russian regions. The framework was based on the AHP, aided with microgrid energy flow simulation using HOMER Energy tool.
The reason for this is that average solar radiation in Armenia is almost 1700 kWh/m 2 annually. One of the well-known utilization examples is the American University of Armenia (AUA) which uses it not only for electricity generation, but also for water heating. The Government of Armenia is promoting utilization of solar energy.
In 2019, the European Union announced plans to assist Armenia towards developing its solar power capacity. The initiative has supported the construction of a power plant with 4,000 solar panels located in Gladzor. Solar power potential in Armenia is 8 GW according to the Eurasian Development Bank.
According to the Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources of Armenia, Armenia has an average of about 1720 kilowatt hour (kWh) solar energy flow per square meter of horizontal surface annually and has a potential of 1000 MW power production.
Consumers are allowed to install solar panels with total power of up to 150 kW, and may sell any surplus to electricity distribution company Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA). In Armenia, solar thermal collectors, or water-heaters, are produced in standard sizes (1.38-4.12 square meters).