In recent weeks, Cyprus has seen an unprecedented surge in applications for the installation of photovoltaic systems. The Cyprus Electricity Authority reported this trend, emphasizing that the main wave of interest is linked to the government’s “Solar Panels for All” program, designed to support citizens’ transition to clean energy and self-generation.
According to the authority, the speed and scale of public response have surpassed all previous records in the country’s history. This demonstrates that Cypriot society is now fully ready to take real steps toward ecological energy, reducing electricity bills, and increasing energy independence.
Service Overload and Measures to Speed Up Application Processing
The rapid increase in the number of applications has placed significant additional pressure on the departments responsible for document verification and request processing. To speed up procedures and improve service, the organization announced the hiring of temporary staff. These new employees will help handle incoming applications, reducing waiting times and easing the burden on core teams.
The authority also notes delays in telephone support due to a high volume of calls. Strengthening customer service teams and upgrading internal infrastructure is expected to significantly improve response times in the coming weeks.
The Cyprus Electricity Authority is working closely with relevant government agencies to ensure stable and transparent program implementation. Officials stress that their key goal is timely, accurate, and fair service for every applicant, with full respect for their time and needs.
Cyprus Accelerates Its Green Transition
Demand for photovoltaic systems is growing not only because of the favorable conditions of the program but also due to new climate commitments the country must meet by 2030. Authorities are actively supporting the shift to renewable energy sources by simplifying licensing procedures, introducing additional subsidies for households, and preparing new projects to modernize the electrical grid to handle the rising load from private solar generation.
Today, rooftop solar installation has become standard for homes in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and the free areas of Famagusta — and this trend is rapidly spreading to rural regions as well.
Essence of the Government Program
The scheme was approved by the Cypriot government on January 25, 2024. The program allows all Cyprus residents to install solar panels up to 4.16 kW on their homes — even without any upfront payment.
All beneficiaries are divided into five categories:
Category A1 — “Solar Panels: General Scheme”
- Grant: €375 per kW
- Maximum subsidy: €1,500 (4 kW)
- The remaining cost must be covered by the beneficiary (personal funds, bank loan, etc.)
- Households in mountain areas receive 50% higher subsidies
Category A2 — “Solar Panels for Vulnerable Households”
- Grant: €1,250 per kW
- Maximum subsidy: €6,250 (100% coverage for systems up to 5 kW)
Category A3 — “Solar Panels for All”
- Grant: €250 per kW
- Maximum subsidy: €1,000
- Additional grant of up to €4,000 (i.e., €1,000 per kW), repayable gradually after installation at €150 every two months
Category B1 — “Roof Insulation: General Scheme”
- Subsidy covers 50% of the cost
- Maximum: €2,500 and/or €25 per m²
- 50% increase for mountain-area homes
Category B2 — “Roof Insulation for Vulnerable Households”
- Subsidy covers 75% of the cost
- Maximum: €3,750 and/or €37.5 per m²
How Much Can a Household Save?
For an average household consuming 1,100 kWh every two months (currently a €370 bill):
- After installing a 4 kW solar system, the bill would drop to €207
- This includes €150 for repayment of the installation loan
- After repayment is completed (estimated 4–5 years), the electricity bill would fall further to just €57 every two months