As cost of electricity is constantly rising, this year I started a personal project for the installation of photo-voltaic cells (PVC) on our roof. I contacted four different local companies specialised in the installation of these systems just to realise that they all have nearly the same prices:

• for 1kw/h €8000 excluding the government rebate of €1160;

• for 1.5 kw/h €12000 excluding the government rebate of €1740;

• for 2.0 kw/h €14000 excluding the government rebate of €1740.

The costs of beams have to be added.

After I decided to go ahead with one of the companies, I was really surprised about the contract terms: basically it was entirely in favour of the supplier. I have to pay 50 per cent deposit, no delivery date or installation date are specified and if the price of the PVC goes up in the meantime, I have to cover the difference.

I cancelled the order and I started doing a research in Germany, which is known to have many PVC installations in place. I was most surprised when I received a quotation:

• for 1kw/h €4500 excluding the government rebate of €1160;

• for 1.5 kw/h €6500 excluding government rebate of €1740;

• for 2.0 kw/h €9000 excluding the government rebate of €1740.

The transport costs have to be added, which amount to e160 per cubic metre of volume. The PVC are available for delivery, and shipment to Malta takes two weeks.

It is not acceptable that importers abuse of the local situation, charging high commissions and basically adding the government rebate to their revenue.

So if someone is interested in installing PVC on his roof, please feel free to contact me and I will guide you with pleasure.

Henrik Piski

Qormi