Starting January 2024, the public can apply for the "Photovoltaics for All" scheme, which offers a €30 million fund for the installation of solar panels, potentially benefiting 6,000 applicants.

The Energy, Industry and Trade Minister, George Papanastasiou, announced at a press conference that the scheme's budget, provided by the Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Conservation Fund, will accommodate additional applicants if necessary.

Describing the program as "ambitious," Papanastasiou highlighted its aim to enable those who otherwise couldn't afford it to install photovoltaic systems of up to 4.16 kW in their homes. With pre-approval, applicants can proceed with the installation without upfront costs, beginning to save on energy costs immediately upon connection. The system's repayment will commence concurrently, with bimonthly charges of €150 included in the electricity bill.

He illustrated the benefits using a household with an average energy consumption of 1,100 kWh every two months, incurring a current bill of €370. Post-installation of a 4kW photovoltaic system, the bill is projected to drop to €207, including the €150 repayment. Once the system is paid off in 4-5 years, the bill could decrease further to around €57.

Funds for the PV system purchase and installation will be transferred directly to the installation companies registered in the scheme, covering VAT and some administrative processes.

Addressing the efficiency and longevity of PV systems, Papanastasiou stated that a 7-year guarantee will be mandatory to ensure the systems meet the required standards and maintain efficiency above a specified threshold.