May 3 is celebrated as International Sun Day, a date established to encourage the use of renewable energy sources and promote environmentally friendly solar energy.
Renewables.az reminds that, this day has been observed since 1994, although the concept of Sun Day was first introduced in 1978 with the aim of raising awareness about solar energy as a clean and sustainable resource.
In today’s world, solar energy is considered one of the most promising and high-potential forms of renewable energy. Solar panels are widely used to generate electricity from sunlight, while solar collectors are utilized for heating and hot water supply.
According to the “Renewable Energy Statistics 2026” report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), global solar power capacity increased by 27% in 2025, accounting for 46.5% of the total installed renewable energy capacity worldwide.
In Azerbaijan, the economic potential of solar energy is estimated at 23,000 MW. Currently, the country’s installed solar capacity stands at 281 MW. Since its commissioning, the 230 MW Garadagh Solar Power Plant — the largest in the Caspian region and the CIS — has generated approximately 1.2 billion kWh of green energy.
