Solar panel retailers claimed colleagues were abusing the Government’s PV subsidy at a press conference in which the GRTU unveiled its own scheme.
Retailers said that any GRTU-approved certification of outlets that sell and install PV systems should exclude those who distort the market by installing panels before their clients get their subsidy approved by the resources authority.
It was an unusual press conference, with retailers invited to attend with journalists for the unveiling of an interest-free loan that clients could use to buy solar panels and sun-powered water heaters.
The scheme is a joint venture between the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises – GRTU and Bank of Valletta.
Noel Gauci, head of the GRTU’s energy section, said retailers who joined the scheme would have to be certified by the organisation to ensure high standards are maintained.
Clients who buy their solar equipment from these shops could benefit from an interest-free loan that would have to be paid back over three years. Retailers who join the scheme will accept to finance the interest portion of the loan after BOV offered the GRTU a reduced interest rate.
But what was meant to have been a straightforward information-imparting press conference turned into a complaints session.
Although the GRTU-certification guidelines will rule out traders involved in any fraudulent activity, retailers insisted the GRTU should block traders who distort the market with irregular behaviour.
Visibly caught off-guard, Mr Gauci asked the retailers to come forward with concrete examples so that investigations could take place.
A retailer also noted the case study presented by Mr Gauci to show the savings by clients when installing PV panels had wrong figures.
Journalists were then asked to leave the meeting, which continued behind closed doors.
The GRTU estimates there are more than 50 retailers who sell PV panels and five have already been certified by the organisation.
Asked whether this would create a cartel, Mr Gauci insisted the GRTU will not impose price levels.
ksansone@timesofmalta.com