More than 81,000 residential homes in Cyprus already generate electricity using photovoltaic systems. This figure represents around 16% of all households in the country and clearly demonstrates how rapidly solar energy has become part of everyday life on the island. Thanks to installed panels, thousands of families pay significantly less for electricity by using their own energy production.
According to current data, out of 89,157 contracts signed under the net metering scheme, 81,204 relate to private households, while the remainder concern small commercial premises. This means that roughly one in six homes in Cyprus is already benefiting from solar generation and the offsetting of electricity consumption through self-produced energy.
How Many Homes Are There in Cyprus and Where Are They Concentrated?
These figures are compared with data from the most recent population and housing census conducted in 2021. At that time, Cyprus recorded 491,545 residential units. Of these, 193,427 were detached houses, 66,404 were semi-detached homes, 156,614 were apartments in multi-storey buildings, 32,211 were residential units in mixed-use buildings, and another 42,888 were homes of other types.
The largest number of homes is located in the Nicosia district, with 162,930 residential units. Limassol ranks second with 132,281 homes, followed by Larnaca with 81,881, Paphos with 74,338, and the free areas of Famagusta with 40,115 residential units.
It is important to note that the 16% figure may in reality be lower as of the end of 2025. Net metering data only cover the period up to September 2025, while housing statistics are based on the 2021 census. Over the past years, the country’s housing stock has increased, which automatically reduces the percentage share of homes with installed solar panels, even despite the growing number of installations.
Last Chance to Join Net Metering Under the Old Terms
The end of 2025 became a key moment for those planning to install photovoltaic systems. Wednesday, 31 December 2025, was the final day to submit applications to join the net metering scheme based on kilowatt-hour compensation. After this date, new applications will be assessed under a different model, where offsetting will be calculated based on the monetary value of a kilowatt-hour rather than its quantity.
Experts believe the new scheme will be less beneficial for consumers compared to the current one. At the same time, it has been officially confirmed that everyone who managed to submit an application before 31 December and correctly completed the required documentation will be included in the net metering system, regardless of when their application is actually processed. At present, the number of pending applications exceeds 4,000, which is why energy authorities have intensified processing efforts, beginning active work from the very first days of the new year.
Growth of Solar Energy and Outlook for 2026
Against the backdrop of high electricity prices, favorable climate conditions, and European targets for the transition to “green” energy, interest in photovoltaics in Cyprus continues to grow. In 2026, further expansion of solar generation is expected, including through new residential projects and grid modernization. However, changes to net metering rules may slow the pace of panel installations among private individuals, especially in urban areas and apartment buildings.
Nevertheless, Cyprus already ranks among the countries with the highest per-capita share of solar energy, and more than 81,000 homes equipped with photovoltaic systems confirm that the island’s sun has become not only a climatic advantage, but also an important economic resource.