Malta Industrial Parks has launched a scheme enabling factory tenants to use the roof for the installation of PV systems – and to retain the revenue from the electricity generated.
A year ago, MIP had issued an expression of interest for the installation of the panels on some 155 factory roofs but the project proved to be too complex for various reasons.
However, MIP decided to drive the project forward by breaking it down into individual premises, leaving it up to each tenant to take up the idea, even when the air space was not covered by the lease agreement.
The current framework gives first preference to the tenant working within the premises underlying the roof. However, if they are not interested, the roof can be made available to other MIP tenants wishing to invest in the systems or to third parties who are not MIP tenants, in this order of preference.
MIP had issued an expression of interest for the installation of PV panels on some 155 factory roofs
MIP chairman Tony Zahra said that all costs related to the installation of PV systems were the responsibility of the owner of the system – but they also get to keep all the revenue generated.
“Having said that, we do not exclude agreements whereby tenants can come to an arrangement with suppliers or financiers of PV systems, with the capital cost to be met by the supplier who would then receive revenue from the generation of electricity,” he said.
The terms and conditions for the use of the roofs depend on the type of contract of lease/letting agreement each individual tenant has with MIP. Mr Zahra pointed out that there were many types of lease/letting agreements made over 40 odd years, and MIP was bound to honour all the agreements according to their terms.
“It is amazing how many different situations exist, some of which include technical as well as logistical challenges. However MIP is committed to move forward with this initiative, bearing in mind that MIP has also the added responsibility of looking after the common good of the industrial estate as well as the country’s best interest.
“MIP’s policy is to be as tenant friendly as possible always bearing in mind that MIP has to look after the common good.”