The installers of photovoltaic systems on the country’s rooftops want to be held responsible for any breaches of the planning authority’s guidelines.

Currently the onus for the proper installation of PV systems falls on the property owners.

However, the renewable energy section within the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, GRTU, said installers were asking the authority to be granted an element of self-regulation.

“We’re eager to see this sector prosper in an orderly manner and so we want to be responsible for our own installations,” said section president Noel Gauci.

This follows media reports that PV systems on rooftops do not always conform to the authority’s guidelines and sometimes mar the skyline.

The section’s statement coincides with the lifting of a Malta Enterprise suspension on installation of PV systems at industrial properties using EU funds. Malta Enterprise suspended this scheme seeking further clarification on the eligibility of beneficiaries under the European Regional Development Fund.

The GRTU said that following meetings with Malta Enterprise and the Ministry of Finance, installing systems on commercial premises that had been granted EU funding may now continue.

It said an extension of the deadline to finish works has also been conceded to make up for time lost during the suspension.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.