Greece launches subsidy program for rooftop PV with batteries

The Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy issued a public call for its EUR 238 million subsidy program for rooftop photovoltaics.

More than 3,500 applications have already been submitted to the online platform. The applications are open until the end of June 2024 or until the funds are depleted.

Subsidies for households range from 45% to 75% of the total cost depending on their income, while for farmers they are 40% to 60%. It means the program covers EUR 10,000 to EUR 16,000 for a rooftop PV combined with a battery.

Moreover, there is a 10% bonus for people with disabilities, as well as for families with at least three children.

Households to receive majority of funding

Out of EUR 238 million in total, EUR 45 million was earmarked for vulnerable households while citizens with an annual income of up to EUR 20,000 or families with an income of up to EUR 40,000 are entitled to an overall EUR 100 million.

Individuals with income over EUR 20,000 annually and families with more than EUR 40,000 can receive up to EUR 63 million in subsidies, leaving EUR 30 million available for farmers.

The PV system can be installed on the roof of a house or on its façade and on secondary facilities, such as pergolas. The subsidy reaches 100% for the battery in the case of poorer households and 90% for the rest.

Households are required to install a battery along with the solar power system, while farmers have the option to only install PV systems on their roofs.

The maximum installed capacity for the PV system is 10.8 kW compared to 10.8 kWh for the battery.

Benefits estimated at EUR 22,000 to EUR 65,000 over 25 years

According to calculations based on the program, a small 3 kW photovoltaic system costing EUR 11,500 can bring the household savings of EUR 22,000 within its 25-year lifetime. A larger unit, 5 kW, can save EUR 40,000 for a cost of EUR 13,500, while 7 kW systems can have a benefit of EUR 65,000 for EUR 17,000.

Skrekas: A decisive step towards energy democracy

According to the government, the program’s goal is to install at least 200,000 rooftop PV installations with batteries, in line with the REPowerEU plan.

Minister Kostas Skrekas said the Rooftop Solar program is a decisive step towards energy democracy, arguing that thousands of households and farmers would acquire energy autonomy, producing and storing their own green energy.

In addition to subsidizing rooftop photovoltaics, the government has also enacted a EUR 100 million program for 120,000 solar thermal rooftop systems, with a subsidy level of 60% and a maximum support level of EUR 900 per household.

Two more rooftop PV subsidy programs are expected, one for businesses and one for industries, with total funds for the sector expected to surpass EUR 700 million and potentially reach EUR 1 billion.