TEHRAN - Iran installed approximately 600 megawatts (MW) of solar power capacity in the past Iranian year (ending March 2025), marking a fourfold increase over the previous annual average of 150 MW, according to Alireza Parandeh Motlaq, deputy head of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA).

In an appearance on the state TV, Parandeh Motlaq said the Energy Ministry has undertaken the development of several government-led solar power plants to help meet growing electricity demand from households and industry. Although initially state-funded, these plants are ultimately intended for transfer to the private sector.

SATBA’s current roadmap includes a 5,000 MW expansion target. Given the urgency of the timeline set by authorities, some of the required equipment is being sourced internationally. Imported solar components are being shipped via rail and sea, with maritime routes taking about 35 days and rail deliveries requiring 15 days. As of now, three shipments of equipment have arrived, with two already dispatched to sites that were designated and designed last year.

Parandeh Motlaq noted that in the previous Iranian year (ended on March 20), the country achieved its highest-ever annual capacity addition in renewable energy. Meanwhile, the Energy Ministry has received private-sector proposals for a total of 38,000 MW of renewable capacity. The government plans to build 5,000 MW of solar plants and procure 2,000 MW worth of equipment in the near term.

He added that per recent regulations, any industrial facility that generates part of its own electricity using renewable sources is exempt from mandatory load reduction measures—a policy that has been in effect since 2023.

He also stated that households can benefit from installing rooftop solar panels. If a family installs a 5-kilowatt system, the Energy Ministry will purchase the generated electricity at a rate of 3,700 tomans (approximately $0.074) per kilowatt-hour. However, those who exceed standard household consumption limits will still be subject to restrictions.

297 MW of solar power projects begin installation across 5 provinces

The head of Iran’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization (SATBA) announced the launch of construction for 297 MW of renewable power capacity across five provinces.

Mohsen Tarztalab, who also serves as Deputy Energy Minister, made the announcement on Monday during a ceremony marking the beginning of equipment installation for the new solar projects.

Tarztalab said the projects are part of a larger government plan to build 3,000 MW of solar capacity through the development of modular 3-MW solar plants. Construction has already started at 856 sites across the country, including in seven provincial capitals.

The initial phase covers five regions: Golestan, Bushehr, Fars (specifically Shiraz County), East Azarbaijan, and Kish Island.

Tarztalab stated that the total investment for the current phase of development in these five provinces amounts to $96 billion, fully financed by the government.

500 MW expansion in renewables under fourteenth government

Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi also announced a 500 MW boost in renewable power development under President Pezeshkian’s administration, known as the fourteenth government.

Speaking at the launch of a solar equipment installation program, Aliabadi gave assurances that the new plants will be operational on schedule and support the national grid.

EF/MA