The Romanian market of alternative energy systems, which according to European statistical surveys currently stands "at zero", has a huge potential because of the inefficiency and high costs of established energy systems. With the universal focus on environmental protection, specialists in this field expect the market to witness rapid growth within the next five years.
"I decided to start a business in the field of photovoltaic energy in order to supply isolated consumers who require an energy back-up system for their electricity supplies," explained Robert Preda, general manager of Teledinamic Automatizari, which was set up in Cluj, in 1995. The company installs anti-burglar systems, computer networks and any low voltage electrical installations.
In 2006, the company derived turnover of almost 1m euros (over 3m RON) and this year estimates turnover and income will rise 4% on last year.
"In the coming years, we forecast a rapid increase in our activities related to the installation of solar energy and energy storage systems. According to the market survey for 2008, we estimate the overall value of our installed systems will revolve around 150,000 euros," stated Preda.
The targeted areas that could benefit from energy back-up systems include homes, communication relays, advertising panels and rural bank branches.
In terms of customers, this year the company has dealt with 86 legal entities and 3 individuals across all business lines.
"There's a huge interest in our energy systems, but we lack legislative back-up in the form of subsidies, tax cuts and other such programmes," explained Preda.
For a building with an area of around 200 square metres, which consumes 2.5 KWh/day, costs related to the installation of an alternative energy system stand at almost 18,000 euros.
"At present, EU statistical studies on Romania indicate the level of installed photovoltaic power stands at 0%," stated Preda, who believes the domestic market has a high potential.
Weiss Solar (headquartered in Alba Iulia) was formed last year and retails alternative energy systems amid a growing national trend in environmental protection. "The alternative energy sector will boom within the next 5 years, owing to the emerging trend in environmental protection. This trend, doubled by the current inefficiency of energy production, along with the intellectual and perceptive openness of the current generation, can only lead to the healthy development of this sector," believes Rudolf Weiss, the company's general manager. For 2007, the company forecasts turnover worth 1.5m euros.
Weiss Solar has a network of 10 licensed partners across the country and plans to become the leader of the Romanian alternative energy market within the next five years. The company wants to open a production facility in Romania and become involved in the design and development of an environmentally friendly district.
Alternative energy
The Romanian market has a huge potential not only because of its geographical location, but primarily due to the high costs of established energy systems
A lack of information is probably the biggest hurdle that prevents a clear understanding of domestic solar energy solutions
The legislative framework that deals with alternative energy is still undefined
For firms, costs related to the installation of these systems can reach 150,000 euros
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