Solar panel suppliers find their place in the sun

What finally got the Maltese public to invest in renewable energy was not the planet’s dependence on fossil fuels and its associated evils but government-offered financial incentives.

The number of applications for state grants on domestic solar panel systems went up to 2,087 by the time the deadline closed on Tuesday afternoon.

And while energy-conscious households took up the offer to invest in cleaner energy, enterprising minds have taken the government incentives as an opportunity to enter the alternative energy market.

Industry sources told The Times that the local photovoltaic market at the beginning of 2009 consisted of six companies – a number which increased fivefold by the end of the year so that 2010 started with 30 retailers. The number has since increased again, according to the Malta Resources Authority’s website, which now lists 47 retailers.

The list includes companies which have been selling alternative energy products for years but also those better known for food processors and computer systems.

Mark Bajada, managing director of the Bajada Group, one of the longest-established photovoltaic companies on the island, said he was concerned about the quality of the units being imported by some of the newcomers on the scene.

“Some importers are getting products purely for their low price to satisfy demand,” Mr Bajada said. “They’re out to make a quick buck.”

He is not complaining, however, as his company has issued over 700 quotations during the period of the scheme, most of which were for systems costing €6,000, the maximum amount eligible for the 50 per cent subsidy.

Darren Scerri, manager of Scan Solar – a sister company of popular electronics store Scan Computers – said that though the venture into solar panels was only launched recently, the planning had been under way for the past two years.

“Obviously the idea then took off when the government announced the incentives,” Mr Scerri said. “It only made sense.”

The grant applications will now be processed and an acknowledgement sent to all applicants providing them with a reference number. A grant letter will then be issued to those who have satisfied all the established requirements. Applicants will then have six months to install the solar panel system, after which the grant will be issued.

In a statement, the government said it was satisfied with the turnout. “The record number of applications for the scheme confirms how much Maltese households are ready to invest and do their bit for us to enjoy better health and safeguard the environment.” If everyone applied for a €6,000 system, the government said, this would see a combined investment of €12 million shared by the government and the people.