EPCG looking for suppliers of solar panels, meters for Solari 3000+, Solari 500+ projects

State power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) has issued a public call for suppliers of equipment for its projects Solari 3000+ and Solari 500+, which envisage the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems for self-consumption in at least 3,500 households, businesses, and public institutions.

The tendering consists of four lots, worth a total of EUR 19.9 million, and is open until October 25. The equipment EPCG is looking to procure for the Solari projects includes PV modules, inverters and smart electricity meters, PV substructure, and energy infrastructure, according to a statement from the company.

EPCG has previously invited bids from financial institutions to provide financing for the two projects, while public calls for citizens, businesses, and public institutions are expected very soon.

A loan installment for citizens who deploy solar panels will be roughly equivalent to the average monthly electricity bill they currently pay, and there will be no other costs.

The tendering for the lending has attracted eight financial institutions, and the process to select a partner is under way, according to EPCG.

According to EPCG, the Solari 3000+ and Solari 500+ projects mark the beginning of the energy transition in Montenegro. They are also one of the most significant investments in the country’s energy sector in the past 40 years. The objective of the two projects is to minimize CO2 emissions and protect the environment.

The projects will enable citizens to produce their own electricity and to sell surpluses to EPCG. This means that apart from the loan to procure solar panels, they will have no electricity costs since they will produce their own energy. The loan installment will be roughly equivalent to the average monthly electricity bill. Once the loan is repaid, over 6 to 8 years, their electricity will be free, EPCG noted.

Prosumers will get subsidies to cover 20% of the investment in the PV system

Citizens will get subsidies to cover 20% of the investment in the installation of a PV system, while EPCG will also provide them with logistical support.