Mount Athos monasteries will install solar arrays

Solar arrays with a combined capacity of 2.64 MWp are set to be installed across 21 monasteries in Greece’s Mount Athos region, Chalkidiki peninsula, under a project financed by the European Union (EU).

The installation of the photovoltaic (PV) arrays received final approval by Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the governor of Central Macedonia, last Thursday. Preparatory works at the site have already been completed.

The project will involve a total investment of EUR 13 million (USD 15.6m). The money will be provided by European resources targeting the Central Macedonia region.

An individual solar system is planned to be mounted at each of the 21 monasteries, thus lowering the monastery community’s dependence on wood and oil. The largest array, of 504 kWp, will be installed at the Vatopedi monastery.

The power plants’ combined output is expected to be four million kWh per year.

Source: renewablesnow.com