The number of private solar power stations in southern Kazakhstan has increased dramatically. Over the past year, the number of solar station owners has grown 3.5 times, while payments for excess electricity supplied to the grid have reached 200 billion tenge.
According to the regional distribution network operator, the number of “net users”, households and businesses that generate electricity for their own use and sell surplus power back to the grid, increased from 22 to 78 this year. The total installed capacity of private solar stations nearly tripled, rising from 2,750 kW to 7,602 kW.
The growth is explained by the fact that many individuals and companies, especially farmers and owners of private houses, prefer installing private solar panels rather than relying on large power stations. They use the electricity for their own needs and sell the excess energy back to the grid. This approach reduces pressure on the national power system. During the summer months, when electricity consumption traditionally increases, microgeneration helps prevent overloading and ensures a more stable electricity supply.
It is expected that by 2026 the number of net users will exceed 100, and the total capacity of private solar stations could reach 10 MW. This would make it possible to generate more than 5 billion kWh of “clean” energy annually, an amount comparable to the output of a small power plant.
