On October 31, Cyprus’ Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry announced the relaunch of its popular ‘Solar for All’ program, aiming to expand photovoltaic panel installations for Cypriot households. Originally launched in March 2024, the program attracted significant interest, with over 6,000 households applying and many already completing panel installations. Now, the ministry will extend subsidies to an additional 3,000 households.
This initiative primarily benefits low-income families by helping them lower electricity costs through solar energy without the burden of upfront expenses. Funding for installations comes from the Renewable Energy Fund, with applicants repaying the cost gradually through their electricity bills.
To improve accessibility and streamline the program, the ministry has introduced key updates:
- Eliminated the 6,000 kWh/year consumption cap from the program’s initial phase.
- Reduced the grant amount from €1,000 to €500.
- Increased the repayment amount to the fund from €4,000 to €4,500.
-
Additionally, eligibility has broadened to include applicants who have signed a purchase agreement with the Land Department, even if they are not yet formal property owners.
To illustrate the potential savings, for a household with a bi-monthly consumption of around 1,100 kWh (equivalent to a €370 electricity bill), installing a 4 kW solar system could lower the bill to €207. This amount includes a €150 repayment installment for the system, which is expected to be fully repaid within four to five years, after which the bill could drop further to €57 per two months.
The ministry encourages interested citizens to explore the program details and apply online at www.ref.org.cy.
Source: in-cyprus.philenews.com,