In line with the government’s policy of reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the Malta Resources Authority has issued two rebate schemes. The first scheme is wholly funded by the government and offers all households, regardless of social status, a grant of 40 per cent of the eligible costs of purchasing and installing a solar water heater up to a maximum of €400.

The second scheme is partially funded under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and offers a grant of 40 per cent, up to a maximum of €560. This ERDF scheme is only applicable to households that meet certain criteria based on income. Applicants under either scheme must obtain a grant letter before making a purchase.

With fuel prices on the increase, solar energy is becoming increasingly popular. Until recently perceived as luxury items, solar water heaters are becoming a fixture on many rooftops in Malta.

A thermosyphon solar water heater is a two-circuit system with the primary circuit re-circulating from collectors to a heat exchanger in the tank, transferring solar energy to the domestic water, thus generating a supply of hot water for free. With Maltese households estimated to save approximately €500 per annum, a solar water heater becomes even more attractive.

Of course, choosing a reliable, well- designed solar water heater goes a long way to ensuring an adequate supply of free hot water running through your taps. Olympus solar water heaters are Solar Keymark Certified, EN12975 and EN12976, covering the complete solar water heater system, including solar collector, support structure, hot water reservoir tank, electric heater, safety equipment and control.

Olympus has designed an environmentally safe, efficient solar water heater that is extremely durable thanks to its fully galvanised support frame built to withstand any weather condition.

The boiler has a double glass enamelling coating, with polyurethane insulation casted under pressure and a stainless steel external casing. The Climasol solar collector is an efficient absorber – it has Blue Titanium Selective coating with a high absorption rate of over 95 per cent and a very low emissivity of less than five per cent. This enables it to produce around 30 per cent more heat than other non-selective absorbers.

For more information, call local representative of Olympus solar water heaters, Electra, Airwell and Fujiair air-conditioners.