Wednesday, June 28 2017 13:12
Emmanuil Mkrtchyan

SolarOn will become a catalyst for the development of solar energy in Armenia

SolarOn will become a catalyst for the development of solar energy in  Armenia

ArmInfo. Tomorrow, June 29,  the official opening of the enterprise for the production of solar  panels, which is first in the country and is  named  SolarOn (meaning  "Sun") will take place in Armenia. Arsen Alaverdyan, founder of  SolarOn, kindly agreed to answer the questions of ArmInfo on the  occasion mentioned.

Mr. Alaverdyan, what is in essence manufacturing enterprise?

In short, this is an industrial and service company that produces  solar panels and provides installation services for solar stations.  If you open the brackets, then it should be noted that SolarOn - as  the first manufacturer of solar panels in the country, will become a  catalyst for the development of solar energy in Armenia. We have  taken on a rather complex mission, on the one hand, to raise the  awareness of potential users and to develop the demand for  alternative energy, and on the other - to pave the way for the  succeeding investors. In fact, we are missionaries and providers of  new technologies.  Until recently, solar energy was our sole  prerogative for importers, who imported solar panels into the  country, mainly from China. Now  your company appears "domestic  producer", an investor who decided to invest in production. If your  task is to introduce new technologies, in particular, the development  of solar energy, why did not you go on an easy and less risky road,  that is, by importing equipment?  When we talk about the development  of a new industry, about the emergence of demand for a new product,  and requiring long-term investments from the consumer, we can not do  without guarantees. Let's remember that a solar station is not cheap.  It pays off  indemnity also not for a day, but for quite a long 5-7  years. At the same time, there is another long term - this is 30  years of the operational period, which in turn implies a long  warranty and post-warranty service. So, in order to provide all this  for the client, it is necessary, at least, for the entire period to  exist.

In my opinion, only a manufacturer investing in production can speak  on equal terms, from a position of risk, with buyers investing in the  purchase of stations. Moreover, the very fact of investment in  production, which in our case amounted to almost $ 2 million, already  guarantees customers the seriousness, reliability and long-term  solutions offered by us. And I see that this approach is more than  justified. We are trusted, everyone comes to us and we are preferred  by everyone who also plans to work in Armenia for a long time.  In  addition to the factors that have been voiced, there are still a  number of serious advantages that only production gives. I will sound  the most important - it is a guarantee of quality, as in production  equipment is used that allows four-level testing of solar panels.

What does the production chain look like in the company? Whether you  are installing solar panels or are only limited with production? What  begins and where does the work with the customer end, at what stage  is the point put?

The first ones who communicate with potential customers are our  technical consultants. All clarifying questions are explained by  them. Then the request is sent to the design department, where  several options are developed, taking into account the main  parameters - the amount of energy consumed, the area available for  installation, even design requirements are taken into account. All  this is provided free of charge and, after approval of the final  option  with the customer, the final cost is calculated, the contract  is concluded and the request is transferred to production. After the  production of the necessary panels and all the components, the order  is taken up by the installers. And the already installed solar  station is transferred to the service department, which monitors the  status and operation of the station.  Currently we are  testing the  SolarOn mobile application for plant owners, which will enable it to  obtain statistics on the generation and consumption of solar energy.  There will be many options in the application, but we will disclose  the details when everything works. In the meantime, summarizing the  answer, with your own words I will answer that we do not put an end  to work with clients at all. We cooperate at all stages of the  operational life of the solar station. And over time, we plan to  expand the services of guarantee and post-warranty service.

What is your strategy in respect to  corporate and private clients?

If we are talking about priorities, I will immediately say that there  are no divisions. We are equally important to work with business, and  with the private sector. We equally pay attention to large orders and  small ones. 

Do you plan to work with banks to provide leasing and loan proposals  to buyers?

Yes, we are working with banks to develop a number of proposals  either  for businessmen and individuals.  Moreover, several  international funds interested in the development of alternative  energy provided preferential credit lines to banks, which in turn  lowered the lending rates for the creation of solar stations.  That  is, everyone who wants to buy a station today can use a leasing offer  with low Rates and maturity of up to seven years.

Mr. Alaverdyan, earlier you announced that you are not going to stay  in the Armenian market and are planning to arrange export. From which  countries are you going to start an export epic and how do you assess  the potential of the Armenian brand on the foreign market?

Literally in a couple of months, we will complete the process of  obtaining a European certificate and will be able to enter the market  of neighboring countries, in particular to Georgia, and in more  distant terms - to export to Europe and the Middle East. The  potential of the Armenian solar panels, I will say without false  modesty, is huge. Already now we receive requests for the supply of  panels from a number of European, African and Middle Eastern  countries.

What plans does the company have in the long term? How do you see the  development of the company and the industry as a whole? What players  and services should appear in order for the industry to function  fully and develop?

I see the development of the company in the opening of the research  center, where our specialists together with foreign colleagues will  work on new solutions, to develop solar panels of the next  generation. We have big plans and expectations for the development of  the industry as a whole. I am sure that companies that are involved  in the production cycle will soon appear, for example manufacturers  of aluminum frames, inverters and other components, and companies  interested in the post-production cycle - for example, installers. In  addition, together with the leading technical institutes of higher  education, we have started the development of a new course for the  training of engineers and specialists in the field of solar energy. I  hope for the consistent participation of the state in the process of  introducing and developing new technologies, as one of the priority  directions for the development of the domestic economy.

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     


News
Shadow income in Armenia is about 200-300 billion drams - Eduard  HakobyanShadow income in Armenia is about 200-300 billion drams - Eduard  Hakobyan
Expert: Obsession with short-term indicators to strip Armenia of  economic sovereigntyExpert: Obsession with short-term indicators to strip Armenia of  economic sovereignty
Armenia`s GDP increased by 5.2%  in Q1 2025, reaching $5.4 billionArmenia`s GDP increased by 5.2%  in Q1 2025, reaching $5.4 billion
In Armenia, only  54,000 out of 900,000 declarants reported their income to the tax authoritiesIn Armenia, only  54,000 out of 900,000 declarants reported their income to the tax authorities
Economy Minister does not believe his visit to Georgia can change anything more than daily contacts with Georgian partnersEconomy Minister does not believe his visit to Georgia can change anything more than daily contacts with Georgian partners
Near East could be among priority markets for Armenia under tourism strategy - minister Near East could be among priority markets for Armenia under tourism strategy - minister 
Armenia to cancel entry visas for citizens of number of countries Armenia to cancel entry visas for citizens of number of countries 
EAEC, EAEU bodies, businesses discuss intensification of trade with Serbia EAEC, EAEU bodies, businesses discuss intensification of trade with Serbia 
Armenian vice-premier to take part in EAEC Council`s meeting Armenian vice-premier to take part in EAEC Council`s meeting 
Tax administration efficiency discussed in Yerevan based on TADATTax administration efficiency discussed in Yerevan based on TADAT
Lavrov: Trade turnover between Russia and Armenia demonstrated  impressive results last yearLavrov: Trade turnover between Russia and Armenia demonstrated  impressive results last year
Gagik Makaryan: Georgia carrying out terror against cognac production in ArmeniaGagik Makaryan: Georgia carrying out terror against cognac production in Armenia
IDBank is now in Kapan: Opening of a new branchIDBank is now in Kapan: Opening of a new branch
Armenia to introduce cashback mechanism in tourism industry Armenia to introduce cashback mechanism in tourism industry 
Armenia plans to bring tourist industry`s revenues up to $3bln by  2030Armenia plans to bring tourist industry`s revenues up to $3bln by  2030
Team Telecom Armenia completes upgrading of mobile network in Tavush Team Telecom Armenia completes upgrading of mobile network in Tavush 
For the first time, the bonds of a medical institution to be listed  on Armenia Stock ExchangeFor the first time, the bonds of a medical institution to be listed  on Armenia Stock Exchange
International train Yerevan-Batumi-Yerevan to start operating from June 14International train Yerevan-Batumi-Yerevan to start operating from June 14
Armenia`s authorities to exempt certain Iranian trucks from road tax Armenia`s authorities to exempt certain Iranian trucks from road tax 
Azimut production company installs VOR/DME 2700 radio beacon in ArmeniaAzimut production company installs VOR/DME 2700 radio beacon in Armenia
ADB joins construction project of southern section of North-South  corridorADB joins construction project of southern section of North-South  corridor
RA Minister of Economy meets cognac industry representatives   RA Minister of Economy meets cognac industry representatives   
CBA considers introducing  insurance mechanism to combat financial  fraudCBA considers introducing insurance mechanism to combat financial fraud
Kocharyan: Gas pipeline from Iran to Armenia didn`t not imply any transit opportunity from the startKocharyan: Gas pipeline from Iran to Armenia didn`t not imply any transit opportunity from the start
Armenian-Austrian Intergovernmental Commission meeting on  trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation  held in ViennaArmenian-Austrian Intergovernmental Commission meeting on  trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation  held in Vienna
1% Special Transfer Rate for AraratBank Customers1% Special Transfer Rate for AraratBank Customers
Team Telecom Armenia announces launch of 5GTeam Telecom Armenia announces launch of 5G
Rocket Line loan payment deferment and combination: New update of the Idram&IDBank applicationRocket Line loan payment deferment and combination: New update of the Idram&IDBank application
23 of 46 schools renovated under ADB programme 23 of 46 schools renovated under ADB programme 
Armenian interbank foreign exchange market: dollar transactions increased from May 12 to May 16, 2025Armenian interbank foreign exchange market: dollar transactions increased from May 12 to May 16, 2025
Vahe Davtyan: Armenia being marginalized from the emerging  architecture of regional energy transitVahe Davtyan: Armenia being marginalized from the emerging  architecture of regional energy transit
Vahe Hovhannisyan meets with  EIB Vice President, Egypt`s Minister of  International Cooperation, and representatives from JP Morgan and  Bank of America in LondonVahe Hovhannisyan meets with  EIB Vice President, Egypt`s Minister of  International Cooperation, and representatives from JP Morgan and  Bank of America in London
Head of Anti-Counterfeit: We must not allow illegal traders to use  Georgia as a hub for counterfeit goods or a convenient route for   transportationHead of Anti-Counterfeit: We must not allow illegal traders to use  Georgia as a hub for counterfeit goods or a convenient route for   transportation
AraratBank: From a Future Student to a LeaderAraratBank: From a Future Student to a Leader
Event Ticketing Platform Eventhub is now Available in MyAmeria AppEvent Ticketing Platform Eventhub is now Available in MyAmeria App
RA Finance Minister of Finance meets with EBRD  President  in LondonRA Finance Minister of Finance meets with EBRD  President  in London
25% idcoin when buying tickets from all airlines. IDBank25% idcoin when buying tickets from all airlines. IDBank
The majority of transfers to Armenia come from Russia, and flow out  to Switzerland, the UAE and the USAThe majority of transfers to Armenia come from Russia, and flow out  to Switzerland, the UAE and the USA
ZCMC to be the first in Armenia to present a report on biodiversity  managementZCMC to be the first in Armenia to present a report on biodiversity  management
Armenian market  unable to provide personnel for modern competitive  businesses, especially in  mining sectorArmenian market  unable to provide personnel for modern competitive  businesses, especially in  mining sector
Converse Bank and EBRD sign two loan facilities totaling US$ 8 million to support MSMEs and green projectsConverse Bank and EBRD sign two loan facilities totaling US$ 8 million to support MSMEs and green projects
Armenia Featured in Wizz Air’s Special Magazine EditionArmenia Featured in Wizz Air’s Special Magazine Edition
Import customs duty for goods supplied to Armenia from Iran to be reduced to 4.5% Import customs duty for goods supplied to Armenia from Iran to be reduced to 4.5% 
Armenia`s authorities plan to enhance military industry`s potential Armenia`s authorities plan to enhance military industry`s potential 
Armenian government expanding agricultural machinery leasing support  programArmenian government expanding agricultural machinery leasing support  program
Armenia extends repayment term for ADB loan for improvement of  Armenia-Georgia border highwayArmenia extends repayment term for ADB loan for improvement of  Armenia-Georgia border highway
Armenia`s Cabinet declines Capital Markets International Data`s application for Ecos fee operators list Armenia`s Cabinet declines Capital Markets International Data`s application for Ecos fee operators list 
Inecobank to receive $15mln under EBRD `green agenda` Inecobank to receive $15mln under EBRD `green agenda` 
`Solar pathos` turning into source of Armenia`s `energy insecurity` - expert `Solar pathos` turning into source of Armenia`s `energy insecurity` - expert 
EU to mobilize EUR 2.36bln under economic investment plan for Armenia  - diplomat EU to mobilize EUR 2.36bln under economic investment plan for Armenia  - diplomat 
Evocabank to receive EUR 19.4 million financial package from EBRD to  support MSMEs and large enterprises in ArmeniaEvocabank to receive EUR 19.4 million financial package from EBRD to  support MSMEs and large enterprises in Armenia
EBRD expands cooperation with Ameriabank - EUR 50 million Risk Sharing  Framework agreement signedEBRD expands cooperation with Ameriabank - EUR 50 million Risk Sharing  Framework agreement signed
PSRC Head: Installed capacity of solar power plants in Armenia  projected to reach 557 MW in the coming yearsPSRC Head: Installed capacity of solar power plants in Armenia  projected to reach 557 MW in the coming years
Ambassador: Russia offering Armenia a wide range of nuclear power  unitsAmbassador: Russia offering Armenia a wide range of nuclear power  units
ENA`s investment program  for 2025  aims to modernize most worn-out  and vulnerable substationsENA`s investment program  for 2025  aims to modernize most worn-out  and vulnerable substations
PSRC Head: Electricity tariffs to remain unchanged in 2025PSRC Head: Electricity tariffs to remain unchanged in 2025
NPP CEO: Proposals for  new NPP model to be presented in 2026NPP CEO: Proposals for  new NPP model to be presented in 2026
Armenian Deputy PM, Iranian Ambassador discuss bilateral cooperation  agendaArmenian Deputy PM, Iranian Ambassador discuss bilateral cooperation  agenda
Armenian insurance market started to reduce compensationArmenian insurance market started to reduce compensation
Armenia`s SRC delegation attends  fifth meeting of the Subcommittee  on Customs Issues under SEPAArmenia`s SRC delegation attends  fifth meeting of the Subcommittee  on Customs Issues under SEPA
Read more
Exchange rates
22.05.2025
RUB4.830.03
USD384.44-0.62
EUR434.11-2.47
GBP515.15-1.14
CAD276.99-0.45
JPY26.76-0.04
CNY53.35-0.10
CHF464.92-2.33