Flawed photovoltaic panels grants scheme

Why does the Malta Resources Authority (MRA) issue grants based on the price of a photovoltaic (PV) system rather than on its power rating?

If, for argument's sake, a set of six solar panels of 180 watts each is being sold for €6,000 and the MRA promised a handout of €3,000, this subsidy scheme was open to abuse because it was based on the price tag of the PV installation and not on the power it is able to generate.

The MRA created a loophole where suppliers could sell a less powerful PV system and still get a full grant of €3,000. Were the grant to be calculated on the power rating, in the example I quoted, at the rate of €2.78 per watt, this would give consumers some bargaining power and a better return for the money spent.

There are people who committed themselves to buy a PV system because the MRA promised there will be another scheme like the first one, which will be open all year round.

These people have entered into an agreement with various suppliers and deposited their hard-earned money to install a PV system on condition that they will receive the MRA grant of €3,000; they have now been left in limbo, wondering whether the system they agreed to buy could have been bought for less.

The MRA should act immediately, change its flawed rules retrospectively and hand out the grants on a euro-per-watt basis. Those who tried to cheat the system will get their fair share and if they want more they will have to fight it in court.