In recent years, solar energy has become one of the most attractive investment methods in Iran. Given the country’s abundant sunlight, building a solar power plant can be both economically viable and contribute to sustainable development. However, the main question for many investors is: how much does it cost to build a solar power plant in Iran, and what factors influence it?
Factors Affecting the Cost of Building a Solar Power Plant
The cost of constructing a solar power plant is divided into several main components:
- Plant capacity (kilowatts or megawatts)
Naturally, the higher the plant capacity, the greater the initial investment. Small residential plants are usually between 5 and 20 kilowatts, while industrial plants have capacities ranging from 100 kilowatts to several megawatts. - Price of solar panels
The solar panel is the main component of a power plant. Its price varies depending on the brand, efficiency, and technology used (such as monocrystalline or polycrystalline). - Inverter and electrical equipment
The inverter plays a vital role in converting DC electricity to AC. The quality and capacity of the inverter have a direct impact on both the cost and efficiency of the power plant. - Infrastructure and installation
This includes the costs of foundations, metal structures, wiring, and labor. In difficult-to-access sites or large-scale projects, these costs will be higher. - Permits and additional costs
Obtaining permits from the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA) and administrative expenses are also considered part of the initial investment.
The approximate cost of building a solar power plant in Iran
Based on current market prices in Iran in the year 1404, one can estimate:
- 5-kilowatt residential power plant: approximately 250 to 300 million tomansن
- 20-kilowatt power plant: approximately 900 million to 1.2 billion tomans
- 100-kilowatt industrial power plant: between 4 and 5 billion tomans
- 1-megawatt power plant: approximately 40 to 50 billion tomans
These figures can vary depending on the dollar exchange rate, equipment brands, and installation conditions.
Return on investment of a solar power plant
One of the main reasons for the popularity of investing in solar energy is the guaranteed electricity purchase by the Ministry of Energy. The Iranian government buys the electricity produced by solar power plants under 20-year contracts. This ensures that the return on investment for a solar power plant is between 4 to 6 years, after which the entire profit of the project goes to the investor.
Why is investing in a solar power plant cost-effective?
- Reduction in the cost of panels and equipment in recent years
- Availability of government incentives and guaranteed electricity purchase contracts
- Long lifespan of panels (over 25 years)
- Helping the environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
conclusion
The cost of building a solar power plant in Iran depends on the capacity, type of equipment, and installation conditions, but compared to many other investments, it carries low risk and high returns. If you are looking for a secure and long-term investment, a solar power plant is one of the best choices in Iran.
