Prof. Ilija Nasov, what are your tasks in the association?
As president, I lead the organisation and focus on internationalising domestic companies by promoting quality standards and certification as core drivers of improvement.
How do you bring international standards into a national solar industry?
I participate in several working groups that enable the association to identify and adopt emerging technology trends across the European market.
How can the role of your association best be described?
The Macedonian Solar Energy Association, Solar Macedonia, is the country’s longest-standing organisation in this field, established in 2006. It currently has more than 100 domestic and international members, including manufacturers, equipment dealers, designers, installers and technical experts.
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What international connections does the association maintain?
We maintain strategic partnerships with events such as Intersolar in Munich and Key Energy in Rimini, where we participate as business delegation partners. We bring major installation and trading companies as visitors and coordinate domestic producers as exhibitors.
What are the main focuses of the association’s work?
Our main objective is to maximise the use of all forms of solar technologies. Solar Macedonia works actively to enhance service quality for its members and to improve market conditions for all stakeholders in the solar energy sector.
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What role does further training play?
Our members bring extensive experience in the solar industry and a deep understanding of its challenges and opportunities. Based on this expertise, we have developed and implemented a number of targeted training projects.
Can you give us an example?
One example is the training of technicians in solar PV and solar thermal system installation. This project began in 2008 and is ongoing. To date, we have trained more than 150 technicians. Since 2018, we have been an accredited training centre for solar installers, recognised by the Ministry of Education.
Dariusz Borowiec of K2 Systems Poland: "The overall package makes the difference"
Are IT challenges also relevant in the renewables sector?
Yes. We provide training for engineers in the use of specialised software, including TRNSYS, RETScreen, T-SOL, PVSOL premium, GEO-TSOL and others. Since 2011, more than 70 engineers have successfully completed these training programmes.
What about the phase-out of coal-fired power generation, which has been postponed by three years to 2030?
The first retraining programme for coal sector workers aiming to enter the solar workforce will begin in September 2025. It will consist of two groups and is supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
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What role does solar thermal energy play in your association?
Solar Macedonia is a full member of Solar Heat Europe and participates in working groups on small-scale thermal systems, district heating and PV/T hybrid systems. We are also involved in European R&D projects under the FP7 programme, in collaboration with leading institutes and universities. A complete list of projects is available at www.solar.org.mk.
Can solar companies interested in the Macedonian market contact the association?
The Macedonian Solar Energy Association actively connects demand for solar solutions with the services and products of its members. We organise an annual Solar Conference, which serves as a key platform for international companies entering the Macedonian market.
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When will the conference take place?
This year’s edition will be held on the 24th of September in Skopje. Further details are availiable at https://solar.org.mk/solarconference/. The event provides insights into the local market, leading EPC contractors, current technology trends, and the regulatory environment and offers direct networking opportunities.
How many people do you expect to attend?
Our most recent conference welcomed over 200 participants from 13 countries.
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Shoul companies interested in the North Macedonian solar market become members?
We welcome companies wishing to enter the market to join the Macedonian Solar Energy Association. Membership offers a range of benefits.
Can you name us a few?
Benefits include access to our network, discounted participation in trade fairs and conferences, opportunities to host training sessions, access to industry software, and deeper insights into the Macedonian solar market.
