Uzbekistan Experiences Surge in Household Solar Energy Production and Income
Surge in Solar Subsidy Payments in Khorezm Region
In a remarkable development, the Khorezm region has seen quarterly subsidy payouts nearly match its entire total for the year 2024. According to the Tax Committee, in the first quarter of this year, 12,746 Uzbek citizens benefitted from government subsidies for supplying electricity generated by their solar panels to the national grid.
The total payments under the “Solar Home” program reached an impressive 8.147 billion UZS. Notably, more than two-thirds of this amount—5.65 billion UZS—was disbursed in March alone, leading to a recorded total of 22,200 subsidy transactions.
Key Regional Contributions
Residents of Khorezm region received the largest share of these payments, earning 2.67 billion UZS in just three months. This figure is astonishingly close to the total they received during the entire year of 2024, which was 2.8 billion UZS. Around 2 billion UZS of this sum was paid out in March.
Karakalpakstan followed with 1.07 billion UZS in subsidies (774 million UZS in March), while Bukhara region received 693 million UZS (454 million UZS in March). Additionally, residents of Tashkent received 585 million UZS over the quarter, and those in the Tashkent region garnered 497 million UZS.
Government Initiative
The subsidy program was initiated in February 2023 under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at supporting households that install solar panels. Payments are conveniently transferred to the owner’s bank card via the Soliq app by the 25th of the month following the reporting period.
In a bid to enhance local production, the president, in August 2023, announced the exemption of import duties and VAT on solar panel components, thus leveling the playing field for local manufacturers against importers.
Growth in Solar Installations
According to the Ministry of Energy, during the first quarter, Uzbekistan saw the installation of small-scale solar panels with a total capacity of 197.9 MW at 10,117 sites. Notably, households accounted for 56 MW of this capacity, generating over 60 million kWh of electricity.
This surge in solar energy utilization marks a significant step in Uzbekistan’s pursuit of renewable energy and showcases the country’s commitment to sustainable development through government support and citizen engagement.
