The government has announced a grant scheme to encourage the use of alternative sources of energy for domestic purposes and reduce energy consumption.

As announced in the last Budget, the scheme applies to solar water heaters, photovoltaic panels, insulation and double-glazing.

Retailers of these systems have to register their business on an application form available from www.mra.org.mt. They must provide all the necessary information and documents as required by the scheme. They must also register the systems and technologies they sell.

Buyers must apply by filling in another form available from the same website. They are entitled to the grant by making their purchase within four months from when an acknowledgement is issued by the government.

In the Budget, the government allocated €2 million to the purchase of solar water heaters, through which the buyer can benefit from two-thirds of the cost for a maximum of €460. It is predicted that 4,500 families will benefit from this scheme.

It also allocated €500,000 to fund half the price of photovoltaic panels for a maximum of €3,000 - 200 families are expected to benefit.

Moreover, €300,000 have been allocated to fund 33 per cent of the price of insulation and double-glazing, for a maximum of €300. It is predicted that 1,000 families will benefit here.

Applications for the purchase of photovoltaic panels will be received by the Malta Resources Authority between February 16 and 28. Those for other systems will be received for a year from February 16.

Those who install systems before February 15 may apply for assistance by May 15, except those who have installed double-glazing, which are not eligible for the grant.