Trina Solar has delivered a volume of 140MW of solar modules to Voltalia for the Karavasta solar project in Albania.
The project will be one of the largest of its kind in the Western Balkans and was initiated following a call for tenders by the Albanian government in 2022, which was won by Voltalia.
Trina Solar has partnered with Voltalia for this project and has been selected to provide its Vertex dual-glass bifacial modules.
These will be mounted on single-axis trackers to suit the flat terrain of the 140MW solar plant.
The project is estimated to be live by end of 2023.
Karavasta Solar is developed, built and operated by Voltalia and is financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (ERBD).
Half of the electricity produced will be sold through a 15-year sales contract to the Albanian public operator, while the remainder will be sold through long-term contracts to private operators.
Around 1% of the company’s total investment in Karavasta Solar will go towards social initiatives in the area.
Additionally, 30% or more of the workforce is sourced from the local community in Albania during both construction and operation.
Around 200 people are employed during construction of the project, and during operation, there will be 10-15 direct employees and 20-50 indirect employees working on site.
Country manager of Voltalia Albania Constantin von Alvensleben said: “Having launched Karavasta Solar in the summer of 2022, it’s incredible to be working with Trina Solar to bring the project to life.
“We are dedicated to a cleaner, brighter future for all in a way that also directly benefits the communities where our projects are based, so we look forward to completing the project and seeing the difference it makes to the area.”