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Uzbek
Recently, complaints have surfaced on social media and in several media outlets that entrepreneurs in some regions of Uzbekistan are being forced to install solar panels. In particular, businesses are reportedly being pressured, with local officials threatening to cut off electricity if solar panels are not installed. In response, the Ministry of Energy stated that forcing businesses to install solar panels contradicts current legislation.
In its statement, the Ministry of Energy reminded that, according to the presidential decrees from February 16, 2023, and June 14, 2024, measures are being implemented in the country to accelerate the introduction of renewable energy sources and energy-saving technologies. These documents are aimed at promoting the use of solar panels and collectors among the population and businesses to conserve electricity and natural gas.
However, none of these documents mandate the installation of solar panels. The ministry emphasized that such measures are illegal and not supported by the ministry.
“There is no mandate for the installation of solar panels, and such actions contradict current legislation,” the official statement said.
The ministry also noted that the number of companies involved in the import and installation of solar panels has grown significantly. According to the monitoring of the State Customs Committee, over 1.5 million solar panels were imported into the country in the first eight months of 2024. This indicates that the renewable energy market in Uzbekistan is developing rapidly.
In addition, the ministry stated that the recent increase in energy resource tariffs has naturally increased interest in solar panel installation.
Although solar panel installation is not mandatory, the Ministry of Energy noted that this step can be highly beneficial for businesses. Solar panels not only help reduce electricity costs but are also supported by government subsidies. For instance, entrepreneurs who install solar panels can be exempt from land and property taxes for up to 10 years.
The ministry encourages entrepreneurs to consider installing solar panels not as an obligation but as an investment in the future of their businesses.
The text has been translated by AI. For more accurate information, please refer to the Russian version of the article
