Five new photovoltaic (PV) schemes deemed the “most ambitious investment” in renewable technology to date were launched by Energy Minister Miriam Dalli during a press conference held this morning.

The schemes support Maltese and Gozitan households who are currently in possession of solar power outlets and aims to increase the longevity of the panels up to 20 years. It aims to not only support families with standard solar panels but also households that wish to upgrade their panels to a battery system. The five new schemes accommodate households with different needs.

The first is a standard option, and concerns families who have a standard PV system. This option includes a €625 grant per kilowatt-peak (/kWp) and 50% of capital spend, capped at €2,500. A feed-in tariff of 10c5 per kilowatt-hour (/kWh) for 20 years is also included.

The second option supports a battery-ready PV system and includes a grant of €750 and €3,000 maximum grant on capital spend for up to 50%. A feed-in tariff of 10c5/kWh is included.

The third option supports families in possession of a PV system who wish to combine their system with either hybrid inverter and battery, or solar inverter and battery inverter and battery, or solar inverter and AC battery. It includes a grant of €750 and €3,000 maximum grant on capital spend for up to 50%. A feed-in tariff of 10c5/kWh is included.

The fourth option concerns PV systems that have upgraded to battery storage systems. It includes a grant of €600 and €3,600 maximum grant on capital spend for up to 80%.

The fifth option caters to those who wish to upgrade the battery of their PV system and includes a grant of €600/kWh or 80% cost for the battery capped at €3,600; and €450/kWp for a new hybrid inverter.

The public can access these schemes through rews.org.mt, where one may submit their application to apply for one of the five schemes.

Energy Minister Miriam Dalli concluded the conference by emphasizing the significance of renewable energy in Malta, claiming that she hopes that our energy is generated from “the cleanest sources possible”.