The Cyprus Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry has announced that it is now accepting applications for grants to install solar water heating systems in residential properties. The government scheme will remain in place until two thousand applications have been received from beneficiaries. Implemented through the Renewable Energy Fund, the initiative aims to reduce energy costs and increase the use of environmentally friendly technologies in the home.
Terms of participation and equipment requirements
Grants are available for installing or replacing integrated water heating systems, including boilers and solar panels. All equipment must meet minimum technical standards and be included on the list of approved models that have undergone preliminary testing and certification. Installation must be carried out by certified specialists who are registered in the official 'List of Programme Participants'. This guarantees the safety and quality of the work, and eliminates the risk of applications being rejected due to non-compliance with the equipment or procedures.
Grant amount and recipient categories
In 2025, the subsidy amount is €500 per application for ordinary households (€900 for properties in mountainous or remote regions). For socially vulnerable categories of citizens, the support amount is increased to €900, regardless of region. This funding will cover some or all of the costs of purchasing and installing equipment, making the transition to solar technology more affordable.
Important rules for submitting applications
Before starting work, the applicant must obtain official preliminary approval. Installing the system without this approval is a violation of the programme's terms and conditions and will result in the grant being denied. Applications can only be submitted online via the official website resecfund.org.cy. Before filling out the form, we recommend that you carefully read the programme guide and the additional information posted on the portal.
In order to apply, you must create an account in the system (unless you already have one). You will be asked to attach the following supporting documents in electronic format (scanned):
- The latest electricity bill for the house, indicating the valuation and property number. The account does not have to be in the applicant's name.
- A document confirming ownership of the property (it does not have to be in the applicant's name).
- A copy of a bank statement or a letter from the bank indicating the IBAN number of the account to which the sponsorship assistance will be transferred if the application is approved.
The prospects and significance of the programme
This scheme is part of the national strategy to increase the share of renewable energy sources and reduce CO₂ emissions. According to the Ministry of Energy, similar programmes have been in high demand among the population in previous years. Incidentally, Cyprus has a higher number of solar water heaters installed than the European average. By 2025, the authorities intend to not only encourage the installation of such systems in private homes, but also extend grant programmes to small hotels and businesses. This will facilitate the further development of sustainable energy on the island.
Notably, the first solar water heating systems appeared in Cyprus in the 1690s. As rural areas were slow to receive electricity, solar water heaters were often installed before homes were connected to the power grid. In remote villages, access to free, clean and reliable hot water was crucial.
Today, 93.5% of households in Cyprus use solar water heating systems for their domestic needs. This technology has proven useful not only for individual households, but has also become a thriving industry. Local manufacturers produce solar panels and water tanks, and numerous installers operate across the island, making the industry a significant contributor to the local economy.