Royal Beverage, a large beverage and soft drinks company in Gjilan that bottles for American-heritage brand RC Cola, recently installed solar panels as a direct result of market linkages made possible through the USAID Kosovo Energy Security of Supply activity. The company is following a solar trend gaining traction across the business landscape in Kosovo.
In collaboration with local drone operators and spatial analysts, USAID is helping to identify opportunities where rooftops across Kosovo can be used to supply electricity to meet growing demand. A 2021 USAID market study indicated a potential pipeline of small-scale solar projects for upwards of 250 MW by 2030. By highlighting rooftop solar and identifying installation opportunities with a good return on investment, USAID is catalyzing private sector contributions to easing Kosovo’s acute energy shortage. Moreover, once businesses and communities realize the benefit of installing solar, USAID is able to match businesses to a variety of local solar developers from which to explore options.
It is also important that the companies like Royal Beverage are looking for locally produced solar systems such as Jaha Solar, a private renewable energy company that sells, designs, and installs photovoltaic systems in Kosovo.
”USAID helped make this possible through its Solar Forums and feasibility studies that are heightening awareness among businesses about energy independence, cost savings, and environmental benefits [of solar]," said Zanfina Kabashi, Chief Sales Officer at Jaha Solar.
In August, Jaha completed installation of a 720.9 kWp solar system at Royal Beverages. This investment not only provides cost savings but also contributes to the independence and reliability of supply. These benefits were major factors for Royal Beverage in its decision to install the solar system.
"Royal Beverage uses a great deal of energy for bottling and based on the feasibility study and analysis provided by USAID we were able to identify the return-on-investment from installing solar. Roughly 30 percent of our energy is now generated by the new solar panels. A serious savings for us”, said Donika Mustafa, Quality Assurance Manager with Royal Beverage.
Royal Beverage’s investment in solar PV for its business is a direct result of the momentum being generated through USAID’s rooftop solar assessments. By providing access to feasibility studies and better understanding of the economic viability and benefits from installing solar, USAID is promoting market-led access to cost-effective, decarbonized renewable energy resources that make economic sense for businesses and communities across Kosovo.
DT Global for USAID Kosovo