From Prison Guards to Entrepreneurs
How the Pandemic Sparked a Solar Business
Zarko Milosevikj and Stojce Jovanovski, once colleagues at the Penitentiary and Correctional Institution Prison Skopje, stepped out of their comfort zones in 2022. Joined by a former public servant, Halit Labjani, (who used to serve in the Army of North Macedonia), the friends were in a search for better opportunities amid the Covid Pandemic. Following the emerging trend of renewable energy, their journey brought the enthusiasts to a novel domain: the solar energy sector.
The team began as apprentices, a short-term gig involved working with contractors already specializing in photovoltaic and solar thermal plants. Through the work, the men envisioned a new future. The gig laid the groundwork for their future. However, without prior experience, their path was marked by significant challenges; the budding businessmen needed technical training, business connections, and access to employees to launch and scale their operations.
The Critical Role of Business Support Organizations
Launching a company in a competitive sector requires expanded networks, even in small country like North Macedonia. This is because new contacts often generate business opportunities and collaboration for entrepreneurs. So joining the business support organization, Solar Macedonia, was the logical first step for Zarko, Stojce, and Hilt in that journey. Solar Macedonia functions as a trade association; the business support organization strengthens cooperation between Macedonian companies in the solar energy sector (producers, contractors, importers, traders), connecting experts and scientists to promote renewable energy.
With USAID support, Solar Macedonia organized their Annual Solar Conference in December 2023, featuring 160 participants from domestic and international companies and institutions. This was the place to be for Zarko, Stojche and Halit! Attendance resulted in securing contracts as subcontractors with the leading energy storage company in North Macedonia. The conference helped fortify their business position in the marketplace and unlocked even more opportunities for the three friends.
Commitment to Excellence
Still, Zarko, Stojche, and Halit continue to invest in skills development. The entrepreneurs attended a 3-month training program for Solar Installers of Combined Solar Systems provided by Solar Macedonia through USAID assistance. From February to April 2024, the training provided both theoretical and practical components, resulting in new certification.
Today, the colleagues each hold certificates for combined solar systems installation, training recognized by the Ministry of Education and the Adult Education Centre as demonstration of professional competence. Even more, Solar Macedonia will continue providing this certified training under a subsidized training program through the State Employment Agency and Adult Education Centre.
Business
Today, these former public servants have established contacts, knowledge, and certified expertise in the solar energy sector. To date, they have rapidly expanded their network, frequently collaborating with each other and sharing jobs. In total, the men have installed 9 megawatts of solar plants in North Macedonia, capable of producing 9,000 kilowatts of energy annually. Their efforts have resulted in a savings of 6,229 kg/co2 emissions [avoided] per year and is equivalent to $1.18 million. This calculation is based on the country's average electricity cost of $0.09 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and solar panels' capacity to generate around 36,000 kWh of energy daily. Over the course of a year, capacity totals 13.14 million kWh, leading to significant cost reductions for energy consumption, while simultaneously contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing CO2 emissions.
Given the shortage of certified solar system installers in the country and the reliance on foreign workers to fill the gap, their contribution underscores the critical need to increase the number of trained installers and offer training programs that keep pace with technological advancements.
Business
Today, these three budding entrepreneurs are an example of the transformative power of support and education. Though they began their journey together, each has now branched out to own a small company specializing in solar equipment installation; they actively collaborate on projects. Thanks to USAID, the entrepreneurs create new job opportunities and foster a learning environment for a growing team of colleagues and employees. Their success is evidence of how USAID partnerships have the power to move countries’ economic and energy transitions towards a more sustainable future.
