THE ROLE OF SOLAR PANELS IN THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARAL SEA REGION

Abstract

The article examines the role of solar panels in the sustainable development of the Aral Sea region, including the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the Kazakhstani part of the Aral Sea area, primarily the territories of Kyzylorda region located near the Aral Sea. The relevance of the study is determined by high solar irradiation, arid climate, ecological consequences of the shrinking Aral Sea, remoteness of some settlements, and the need to improve the reliability of power supply for socially important facilities. The research methodology is based on the analysis of scientific literature, international analytical sources, data on the solar potential of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, and calculation of the expected annual electricity generation of photovoltaic systems with capacities of 5, 20 and 50 kW. For the Aral Sea region, an estimated specific annual yield range of 1350-1600 kWh/kW per year is used, taking into account differences between northwestern Uzbekistan and southern Kazakhstan. It is shown that a 5 kW system can generate 6750-8000 kWh per year, a 20 kW system 27,000-32,000 kWh, and a 50 kW system 67,500-80,000 kWh. The results substantiate the importance of solar panels for autonomous and grid-connected power supply of households, schools, medical centers, farms, pumping stations and environmental monitoring facilities. It is concluded that solar energy development in the Aral Sea region can serve as a cross-regional tool for improving energy security, environmental sustainability and practice-oriented education.