| Abstract | Ulaganje u obnovljive izvore energije je, neupitno, ključan korak prema održivom i ekološki odgovornom energetskom sustavu, kako na makro, tako i na mikro razini. Solarna energija, jedan od najobilnijih i najpristupačnijih obnovljivih izvora, pruža brojne ekološke, ekonomske i društvene prednosti koje se u radu valoriziraju analitičkom sintezom faktora isplativosti ulaganja u najpoznatiju solarnu tehnologiju – solarne panele. Zahvaljujući pogodnom geografskom položaju s obiljem sunčanih sati i razvoju solarne tehnologije, Republika Hrvatska ima izrazit potencijal ulaganja u obnovljive izvore energije. Shodno tome, uređenjem pravno-ekonomskih instrumenata, aktivno počinje stvarati pogodnu investicijsku klimu i bilježi pozitivan trend rasta broja solarnih elektrana. Predmet izučavanja rada je investicijski projekt male solarne elektrane iz 2013. godine s ciljem shvaćanja statusa povlaštenog proizvođača električne energije da bi se u konačnici kvantificirali ekonomski i ekološki učinci ulaganja. Metodologija istraživanja temelji se na kombinaciji kvantitativnih i kvalitativnih metoda, pri čemu kvantitativni pristup uključuje analizu stvarnih financijskih podataka, izračun razdoblja povrata, neto sadašnje vrijednosti te interne stope profitabilnosti investicije. Suprotno, kvalitativna analiza obuhvaća tržišne trendove, identificiranje ključnih izazova, ekološke prednosti, interpretaciju privatnih izvještaja i pravne okvire u kontekstu investicije u solarnu tehnologiju. Završni rezultati analize potvrđuju da su solarni paneli dugoročno isplativa investicija koja ne samo da donosi financijsku korist, već i doprinosi zaštiti okoliša i energetskoj neovisnosti. Unatoč početnim izazovima, visokim troškovima i birokraciji, ekonomski i ekološki benefiti opravdavaju ulaganje, čineći solarne elektrane jednim od vodećih elementa održivog razvoja u vidu proizvodnje električne energije iz obnovljivih izvora. |
| Abstract (english) | Investment in renewable energy sources is undeniably a crucial step towards a sustainable and environmentally responsible energy system, both at the macro and micro levels. Solar energy, one of the most abundant and accessible renewable sources, offers numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits, which are evaluated in this study through an analytical synthesis of the profitability factors associated with the most widely recognized solar technology—solar panels. Thanks to its favorable geographical position with abundant sunshine and advancements in solar technology, Croatia has significant potential for investing in renewable energy sources. Consequently, by regulating legal and economic instruments, the country has actively begun creating a favorable investment climate and has recorded a positive trend in the growth of solar power plants. The subject of this study is an investment project for a small-scale solar power plant from 2013, aiming to understand the status of a privileged electricity producer to ultimately quantify the economic and environmental impacts of the investment. The research methodology is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative approach includes an analysis of actual financial data, calculation of the payback period, net present value, and the internal rate of return on investment. Conversely, the qualitative analysis covers market trends, identification of key challenges, environmental benefits, interpretation of private reports, and legal frameworks in the context of solar technology investment. The final results of the analysis confirm that solar panels represent a long-term profitable investment that not only provides financial benefits but also contributes to environmental protection and energy independence. Despite initial challenges, high costs, and bureaucratic hurdles, the economic and environmental benefits justify the investment, positioning solar power plants as one of the leading elements of sustainable development in electricity production from renewable sources. |
