The process of submitting applications for the "Photovoltaics for All" program is proceeding smoothly, with the number of applications reaching 4,500 in just one month since its inception.

According to statements made by the Senior Officer of the Energy Service, Georgios Tsiamettis, to Brief, there has been a steady and smooth flow of applications daily. However, the numbers have decreased compared to the initial days following the program's launch.

Tsiamettis noted that the process has been running quite smoothly, and so far, 4,500 applications have been submitted. In response to a question about when the review of these applications will begin, he explained that it is expected to start soon, likely within the next few days.

Regarding the duration of the application review process, Tsiamettis emphasized, "Our goal is to complete the review of applications within two months of their submission, with a slight exception for those submitted in the first few days due to the high volume received." He added that nearly 3,000 applications were submitted in the first one to two weeks.

Explaining the surge in applications during the initial days, Tsiamettis attributed it to the fact that the "Photovoltaics for All" program had been announced several months before its implementation, and many citizens had gathered all the necessary documents and promptly submitted their applications once the process opened.

Asked if there had been a slowdown in the submission rate, Tsiamettis confirmed, noting a consistent flow of daily applications, but in much smaller numbers than initially. "We are now receiving 50 to 100 applications per day," he concluded.

It's worth recalling that applications for the program can only be submitted electronically via the Renewable Energy Fund and Energy Efficiency's electronic system.

The scheme involves installing a photovoltaic system on existing residential properties using Net Metering or Virtual Net Metering, provided the system's capacity does not exceed 4.16 kW, is not an extension of an existing system, and there's no increase in its power until full repayment.

Eligible applicants are individuals investing in such systems. The electricity bill and Net Metering Agreement with the electricity provider must be in the applicant's name. Additionally, the applicant must be the owner or co-owner of the residence, have the right of usufruct registered for the property, and not have a history of being a "risky customer."

The program also pertains to existing residences for which a building permit or urban planning permit application was submitted before 01.01.2017. These buildings must be legally used as residences, not rented out by a legal entity, and not used for economic activities.

It is noted that the total annual consumption of the household in the previous year should not exceed 6,000 kWh.

Finally, it's announced that once the number of applications reaches 6,000, the program will continue with the goal of benefiting as many households as possible.

Meanwhile, while the "Photovoltaics for All" program is ongoing, the government appears to be developing a more targeted scheme.

As stated by Energy Minister Georgios Papanastasiou in recent remarks, the Ministry is working on a plan that will cover households with large families or homes hosting grandparents, and those with needs exceeding 6,000 kilowatt-hours, while the house's area corresponds to a requirement for 6,000.

Regarding the announcement and implementation timing of the new scheme, Papanastasiou stressed, "We need to wait for the 'Photovoltaics for All' program to function, assess our capabilities at the Renewable Energy Fund and Energy Efficiency, and despite recently approved budget showing some reduced liquidity, the Ministry will ensure the fund's reinforcement first and then proceed with increasing the kilowatt-hours."