ABSTRACT
This paper provides the information and results on the implementation of a photovoltaic (PV) plant on the Qyrsaq Dam of Vau i Dejes Hydropower plant (HPP) in Albania. Qyrsaq Dam is 54 meters high and has a dam crest length of 514 meters. This composite dam consists of a rock-fill dam with a clay core and a concrete gravity dam. The concrete gravity dam includes the power water intake and spillway systems, with a total capacity of 3900 m³/s. The main purpose of the implementation of this project is the production of energy through the use of solar energy using the surface of the downstream face of Qyrsaq Dam. The project is an attempt to implement new technology in this field as well as the possibility of installing PV plants in other dams in the future. Albania is a country rich in water and sunlight, with a hydrographic catchment area covering 43700 km². Approximately 35% of the average water inflow is used for hydro energy. Moreover, Albania experiences over 300 sunny days per year. For 3 years, the Albanian Government has started the implementation of a strategy for installation of PV plants with capacity of 400 MW in some areas of our country. Till now, 3% of the energy is produced by them. Furthermore, the synthesis will give the requirements of ALBCOLD for installation of PV plant on large dams.
