Over 2,200 applications for solar heater rebates

The Malta Resources Authority has received just over 2,200 applications for a grant on the purchase of solar water heaters and nearly €714,000 in rebates have so far been paid out.

The government launched the initiative in the last budget with an allocation of €2 million, which applies for solar water heaters, photovoltaic panels, insulation and double glazing. The MRA started to receive applications in February.

Since then, it has received 2,206 applications for solar water heaters. Of those, 1,552 applicants have already been issued with a grant offer letter, giving them the go-ahead to purchase and install the equipment after Parts I and II of the application were submitted and approved. The rebates relating to solar water heaters issued so far amount to €713,920, an MRA spokesman told The Times.

The spokesman said 544 applications were incomplete, rejected or withdrawn while another 110 applications could not be processed pending further information from applicants or documentation from the suppliers.

Applicants receive up to two thirds of the purchase price of a solar water heater for a maximum of €460. It is estimated that 4,600 families in all will be able to benefit from this scheme.With the possibility of another hike in the water and electricity tariffs, investing in a solar water heater may now be seen as even more timely by some.

Buyers must apply by filling in a form available at www.mra.gov.mt. They are entitled to the grant by making their purchase within four months from when an acknowledgement is issued by the government.