Demand for clean energy is growing in Cyprus. In response, the island nation's government has decided to revive a programme to subsidise the replacement and installation of solar water heaters.
On Wednesday 2 October, members of the cabinet unanimously approved a €1 million subsidy to be made available to the island's population. According to the press release, the beneficiaries will be divided into two categories. Those living in urban areas will receive a grant of €500, while those living in rural areas will receive €900.
The programme will provide money for the purchase or replacement of a tank, solar panels and their installation with the help of certified contractors, the ministry said.
The deadline for applications is 20 December. A total of 1,500 people will receive help from the government. The grant can be used once. The programme will be financed by the Renewable Energy Fund.
It should be noted that the plan covers integrated water heating systems (tanks and panels) that meet the following specifications:
- Solar panels are Solar Keymark certified.
- A hot water boiler is of energy class B or better if it has a volume of up to 200 litres, or of energy class C or better if it has a volume of more than 200 litres.
You can find more information and apply for subsidies only online at resecfund.org.cy.
Recall that the first solar water heaters appeared in Cyprus in the 1690s.
The country's rugged rural areas were slow to receive electricity, so solar water heaters were often installed before homes were connected to the grid. In remote villages, access to free, clean and reliable hot water was essential.
Today, 93% of households in Cyprus use solar water heaters for their domestic needs, well above the EU average. As well as benefiting individual households, the technology has become a thriving industry. Local manufacturers produce solar panels and water tanks, and numerous installers operate across the island, making a significant contribution to the local economy.
While the success of solar water heating in Cyprus is undeniable, the technology is not without its drawbacks. One of the most commonly cited is its appearance. Rows of installations on rooftops disrupt the skyline in many urban areas. Attempts to regulate and improve the aesthetics of these systems have not been successful.