Natural choice for alternative energy (1)

Albert Cilia-Vincenti, Attard

Many thanks to Henrik Piski (September 2) for informing us how much more affordable photovoltaic (PV) panels would turn out if ordered directly from Germany.

I have also heard rumoured that Enemalta may soon introduce a scheme whereby one unit of electricity transferred from PV panels to its grid would be rewarded by two free units of electricity from the grid.

If this turns out to be true, it would certainly be a major encouragement for many of us to install PV panels.

The combination of our flat roofs and our high solar energy geographical location, must add up to solar generated electricity being the number one alternative energy generation solution for Malta. One wonders whether, if almost all our flat roofs where covered with PV panels, we would reach the level of alternative energy generation the EU expects from us within the next few years.

This would be far more feasible and cheaper than offshore wind-farms. Having pumped around half of Malta's national debt into the drydocks and Mater Dei Hospital, the last thing the taxpayer needs is another financial black-hole like off-shore wind farms.

Let's hope government's incentives to taxpayers to invest in PV panels will not be delayed till a month before the next election!

Comments

Maria Ferstl (on 6/9/08)

Isn't it ironic.... here in Greece the surname "Maltezos" (meaning "Maltese") brings those solar heaters to your mind (like the one in the picture). Nevertheless I can't remember seeing any such thing on a Maltese roof so far.

Jesmond Farrugia (on 6/9/08)

I would appreciate knowing what Mr. Pinski ended up paying to acually install the PV.

If there is no good incentive system in place no one will be installing any P, very simple. All we have to do is take a look at how other countries managed to do what we haven't yet achieved, albeit having an excellent level of solar irradiation in Malta.