The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization of Iran (SATBA) has announced that all government institutions nationwide will gradually disconnect from the national power grid and transition entirely to solar energy systems.
Fatemeh Mohajerani, a government spokesperson, revealed on social media that the initiative, personally directed by President Masoud Pezeshkian, aims to achieve energy self-sufficiency for government buildings through solar installations, thereby reducing strain on the national grid. The move is expected to alleviate power shortages during peak summer demand, which are projected to reach 26,000 megawatts (MW).
Iran’s electricity crisis has worsened in recent years, particularly during winters, forcing factories, government offices to close or reduce hours and schools to adopt remote learning, severely impacting the economy and society. In response, the government has prioritized renewable energy development. Mohsen Zabihi, deputy director of Iran’s Power Transmission and Distribution Company (TAVANIR), stated that new buildings exceeding four stories or 1,000 square meters will be mandated to install solar panels. Additionally, Iran has approved 35 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects for domestic and foreign investors to accelerate its solar sector.
Tehran, the capital, boasts abundant solar resources, with annual sunshine hours ranging from 2,800 to 3,200—approximately 8 hours daily—and high solar radiation intensity, providing a solid foundation for large-scale solar power generation. Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi announced plans to add roughly 11.5 GW of solar capacity by March 2026 and increase renewable energy output 25-fold from current levels.
To support renewable projects, the Iranian government will offer $5 billion in concessional loans through its sovereign wealth fund for solar plant construction. Persian Gulf Renewable Energy Development Company, a subsidiary of the Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industries Holding Company, has also pledged to invest in 5,000 MW of solar projects.
Beyond large-scale solar initiatives, Iran is promoting solar adoption in industrial parks and households. The Iran Small Industries and Industrial Parks Organization (ISIPO) plans to establish 24 specialized solar industrial parks to boost production and usage, alongside creating solar zones within existing parks. At the household level, the head of the Iran Renewable Energy Products and Services Manufacturers Association (SATKA) estimated that installing 5-kilowatt solar systems in 1 million homes, supported by loans, could generate 5,000 MW of annual solar power.
This comprehensive strategy underscores Iran’s commitment to addressing its energy crisis through renewable energy, leveraging its solar potential to secure a sustainable future.
