1.8 Previous Applications and Implemented or Non-Implemented Programs

One of the first successful large-scale experimental installations for direct solar energy transformation into heat was constructed at Tbilisi Metal Construction Factory in 1950. For the period of 1955-1957, 17 solar installations, intended for hot water supply, were constructed in various regions of Georgia. Presently, most of them no longer operate.

In the 1970-80s, a number of pilot projects involving solar water heaters, solar air heaters and conditioners for one, two and multi-apartment houses were developed and implemented throughout Georgia by Zonal Scientific-Research Design Institute of Typical and Experimental Design of Residential and Public Buildings (ZITED). Solar collectors installed on the roof of the institute provided hot water supply for showers for its employees during 200-230 days per year.

The first industrial enterprise mass-producing solar equipment in Georgia was a state owned organization “Spetsheliotbomontazhi”. It was founded in early 1980s and started production of solar water heaters (solar collectors) in 1984. During 1984-90, “Spetsheliotbomontazhi” manufactured 140 000 m2 of solar collectors, including 70 000 m2 of which were installed in Georgia. These were simple design low efficiency mass production units, but still a progressive step in those days. Besides solar water heaters, “Spetsheliotbomontazhi” manufactured solar dryers for tea factories in west Georgia, solar heated shower cabins, etc. Currently it operates under the name of “Mze, Ltd.” and still produces these solar collectors, but at very limited quantities.

A large project initiated in 1998, but still not implemented and stalled due to lack of further funding, is a Solar Settlement in Aspindza region (southern Georgia). This pilot project was supported by UNESCO’s World Solar Programme 1996-2005 and should have served as a model of self-sustainable village in mountainous region with micro-hydro, geothermal, solar and biogas sources of energy.