The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) is carrying out a large-scale campaign to identify illegal photovoltaic installations and unauthorised increases in their capacity. The inspections focus on large commercial properties. To date, EAC has identified 110 suspicious cases. Specialists have already carried out 77 on-site inspections, and violations were confirmed in 22 cases. All installations found to be operating in breach of the rules were immediately disconnected from the grid.
The cases mainly involve photovoltaic systems at sports facilities, hotels, factories and shops. Of the 22 confirmed cases, 17 involved systems for which no application had been submitted at all. In another 5 cases, owners had increased the capacity of existing installations without the required approval. To detect violations, EAC relies not only on on-site inspections. Specialists compare data from software systems, smart meter readings and satellite information. This makes it possible to identify discrepancies between the approved configuration of a property and the actual operation of its photovoltaic system.
Where violations were found and why they are dangerous
EAC spokesperson Christina Papadopoulou referred to a sports facility where a large number of solar panels had been installed next to a main road without the necessary approval. According to her, the issue is not limited to a breach of the established rules. Unauthorised photovoltaic systems also increase the amount of electricity fed into the grid. This may force the operator to curtail renewable energy generation more frequently.
As a result, owners of legally installed solar systems may find themselves at a disadvantage: they also face generation restrictions even though their equipment complies with the requirements. EAC considers this situation unequal and unfair to compliant owners. Safety concerns are another important issue. Unauthorised changes to equipment can affect not only the stability of the electricity grid but may also create risks for people and the properties themselves.
Special attention to energy storage systems
One of the most notable cases involved electricity storage systems. After a fire completely destroyed the building where they had been installed, specialists discovered two irregular photovoltaic energy storage systems there. The case gave EAC an additional reason to emphasise the importance of complying with technical requirements when installing and connecting such equipment.
Even before the campaign began, EAC had warned that illegal connections and unauthorised increases in capacity could create risks to the safety of consumers and properties, while also negatively affecting grid reliability and electricity generation forecasting.
When violations are detected, the photovoltaic system is disconnected from the grid and its valid certificate of compliance with connection requirements is revoked. Owners must correct all deficiencies and complete the required approval procedure.
Those found in violation must also cover the cost of the inspection. The investigation fee is €225, while additional fines, depending on the nature of the violation, may reach several thousand euros.
EAC is urging owners who have installed equipment themselves or increased the capacity of an existing system without permission to obtain the necessary approvals first. The inspection campaign across Cyprus is continuing, and the number of on-site inspections is expected to increase.