N Korea sees boom in small solar panel installations - report

Residential solar panel installations in North Korea may have grown at least threefold compared to last year, according to a regular visitor to the country quoted by Reuters on Wednesday.

North Koreans are increasingly deploying cheap solar panels on their balconies so they could light up and heat their homes. Photovoltaic (PV) modules are now sold openly and some have even been manufactured domestically, Beijing-based Koryo Tours’ general manager Simon Cockerell told the news agency. Private solar panels are not illegal in North Korea, but some local authorities may request a bribe to allow their installation, Reuters said, citing a defector.

Demand for electricity in North Korea is rising as people with growing incomes buy electronics such as mobile phones and media players. However, the country, which relies heavily on hydropower, is suffering from power shortages and electricity supply is prioritiсed for production facilities and areas of political importance, according to the report.

Reuters noted that, based on a series of recent photographs, around 10% to 15% of urban apartments in North Korea now have small solar installations.

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