May 3 is observed as International Sun Day. Renewables.az notes that this day was established to encourage people worldwide to use renewable energy sources and benefit from environmentally friendly solar energy. It has been celebrated since 1994. Although the day was first established in 1978, the main goal is to promote the use of solar energy, which is considered a cleaner resource.
In the modern world, solar energy is regarded as the most promising type of renewable energy with the greatest potential. Solar panels are used to generate electricity from sunlight, while solar collectors are used to provide heating and hot water.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency's (IRENA) "Renewable Energy Statistics 2026" report, global installed solar capacity increased by 27% in 2025, accounting for 46.5% of total renewable energy capacity.
Azerbaijan's economic potential for solar energy is estimated at 23,000 MW. The country's installed solar capacity currently stands at 281 MW. The Garadagh Solar Power Plant, with a capacity of 230 MW – the largest solar power plant in the Caspian region and the CIS area – has generated up to 1.2 billion kWh of green energy since it was commissioned.
https://renewables.az/en/news/today-marks-international-sun-day