New feed-in tariffs for those who sell electricity produced from photovoltaic units were announced in the Budget last night.
In 2013, energy will be generated from around 67,000 square metres of solar panels set up on the roofs of public buildings following a call for expressions of interest in 2009.
Another call to cover 40,000 square metres of roofs of public buildings will be issued soon.
Where assistance is not being given for capital outlay, the feed-in tariffs will be changed as follows: installation of less than 1MW on the roof amounts to 18c/kWh for 20 years; installation of less than 1MW on the ground amounts to 17c/kWh for 20 years; installation of more than 1MW on roofs amounts 17c/kWh for 20 years, and the installation of more than 1MW on the ground amounts to 16c/kWh for 20 years. The tariff for PV panels in Gozo is 1c higher.
To date, the feed-in tariffs had been higher but applied only for eight years.
Applications can be sent in to the Malta Resources Authority in the first six months of 2013.
More than 6,200 families have invested in solar panels through Government schemes since 2006 and around 8,300 families installed solar water heating or double glazed windows. There will be a new scheme for those who cannot install solar panels on their roof but could instead take part in a common system.
The scheme that refunds up to 40 per cent of expenditure on solar water heaters is being extended.
The 15.25 per cent refund scheme on investment in double glazing and roof insulation will also be extended.
These schemes will be partially financed through an increase in excise duty on fuel consumption of 2c per litre on petrol and diesel and €5 per tonne on cement.
The Government has always been sensitive to the impact of energy prices on families and this translated into reality through the introduction of an energy benefit to help vulnerable families.
Since 2007, the Government has paid out €22.7 million in energy benefits.
From January, the energy benefit for gas will increase to €40 from €30. This measure is expected to cost some €300,000 and will help out around 26,000 families.
The Government was committed not to raise the utility bills – even though the price of oil was high and Enemalta was facing difficulties in making up the difference in price.
The Government decided to shoulder the burden of the eco-reduction and feed-in tariffs and allocated €25 million in the Budget.