Energy takes a very important part in strategic development of each society and it is becoming increasingly valued and irreplaceable human good. Global climate changes,partly caused byextensive exploitation of fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas, open numerous debates regarding future energy supply. Main goal of strategic development plans in the energy sector is reliable supply with energy based on environmental acceptable technologies such as renewable energy sources that include also solar and wind energy. These sources are theoretically inexhaustible and thus present solution for the future, if supported by intensive technology development.

 

 

 

 

Figure shows potentials of energy reserves compared to the global yearly energy consumption. Reserves of conventional sources such as oil, coal, and natural gas are limited and in addition, their exploitation is technically, economically, and environmentally only partly justified or in some systems inappropriate leading to the conclusion that they do not present energy sources of the future.

 

Solar energy that reaches planet Earth is 15,000 times higher comparing to the total yearly energy consumption. It presents sustainable source of energy accumulated in biomass as a result of photosynthesis and by natural process,it is indirectly transformed in hydro energy of rivers exploited by hydro power plants, as well. The sun is an infinite nuclear reactor with immense reserves of clean, quiet, renewable, and profitable energy available for covering the demand, thus solar energy is appropriate for extensive use and as that it is definitely energy of the future.

 

SOLAR RADIATION IN SLOVENIA

 

The total potential of solar radiation in Slovenia is estimated to be 23,000 TWh that is more than 300 times higher than yearly energy consumption in Slovenia. Recent findings show that the existing technologies can provide roughly 960 GWh per year that presents more than one third of the Slovenian share in production of Nuclear power plant Krško or 20 % of total yearly production in Slovenia. Presently, approximately 28 GWh is produced by photovoltaic power plants per year that presents only 3 % of total technical potential.