New energy schemes announced, better incentives for energy efficient home solutions

Extended schemes have been announced for solar water heaters, PV solar panels, heat pump water heaters, maintaining of wells, double glazing and roof insulation.

Energy Minister Joe Mizzi yesterday said that as from 7 May 2018, the maximum benefit for solar water heaters and heat pumps acting as water heaters will be increased from 40 per cent to 50 per cent of the total eligible expenditure to a maximum claim of €700.

With regard to the roof insulation scheme, the 15.25 per cent benefit has increased to 50 per cent of the total eligible expenditure, with a maximum of €350 for houses built after 2016 and a maximum of €1,000 for houses built before.

The expenditure of installing appropriate frames for double glazed windows will now be covered by an energy scheme with a maximum of €1,000. Prior to this, the expenditure associated with the windows themselves were partially covered and not the window frame.

Mizzi said these schemes are being rolled out to incentivise people to use this efficient and modern technology.

Turning to heat pumps, he explained that these can be used instead of a geyser, which consumes less electricity, resulting in lower bills and is also environmentally friendly.

Because this is relatively new and costs more than a geyser, government decided to subsidize them. The heat pumps would also benefit those who do not have a roof where they can stick PV panels or solar water heaters.

The schemes are being administered by the Regulator for Water and Electricity Services (REWS) and are only eligible to residences, meaning those billed on the residential or domestic tariffs. The scheme is not open to commercial properties. Applications for the relevant schemes can be made online.

Mizzi said he is convinced that these schemes will contribute to Malta reaching its sustainable energy goals.