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Domestic Photovoltaics: Former and Current Ministers Disagree - Eligibility Conditions Change

Published January 3, 2026, 22:08
Domestic Photovoltaics: Former and Current Ministers Disagree - Eligibility Conditions Change

A delay is observed in the announcement of the new government plan for the installation of photovoltaic systems and energy storage batteries in homes. The former Minister of Energy had stated that the plan would be ready by the beginning of the year, however the current Minister, Michalis Damianou, stated that applications are not expected to open before April. The new plan differs from the previous one in the way energy is calculated and requires the installation of energy storage batteries to be eligible. A significant element of the new plan is the transition from the net metering system to net billing from 2026. In net billing, the energy produced by the consumer is offset against the electricity consumed, but in monetary terms. For example, with net billing, if someone with photovoltaics produces electricity worth 80 euros and consumes electricity worth 120 euros, they will pay 40 euros. In contrast, in net metering, the electricity produced by the consumer is offset against the kilowatt-hours consumed. For example, if they produce 1,000 kilowatt-hours and consume 1,200 kilowatt-hours, they will pay for the 200 kilowatt-hours not covered by their production. Net metering is considered more beneficial for the consumer, as it is not affected by fluctuations in electricity prices, since the offset is made in energy and not in money. This change in the offsetting system is expected to affect the financial viability of domestic photovoltaic systems, as the value of the energy produced will depend on the current price of electricity. The government is expected to present the plan for consultation within January, with the aim of starting applications in March or April.