5654 applications have been made so far - 1250 approvals sent - Consumer Protection Service has received complaints about extra charges.

Complaints have been made about companies charging extra to consumers expressing interest in the "Photovoltaics for All" scheme. The Consumer Protection Service is investigating.

It should be noted that the purpose of the "Photovoltaics for All" scheme is to assist citizens who find it difficult to pay the full amount for installing photovoltaic systems. They are given the opportunity to pay the majority of the purchase and installation costs in bi-monthly installments. Specifically, a grant of €1000 is provided, followed by up to €4,000 paid in bi-monthly installments of €150 by consumers. Any amount exceeding €5,000 is paid directly by the consumer to the provider, the company.

Beneficiaries are citizens who will install a photovoltaic system up to 4.16 kW, whose total annual consumption of their residence during the previous year does not exceed 6,000 kWh.

Konstantinos Karagiorgis, Director of the Agency, stated that the Agency has received complaints from consumers that some companies have requested an additional amount for the installation of photovoltaic systems due to their participation in the "Photovoltaics for All" scheme. "Instances have been observed where some merchants, who have registered with the scheme, tell consumers that they will charge them an extra €500, €600, €700 precisely because they are joining the 'Photovoltaics for All' scheme. This is not in line with the philosophy of the Ministry of Energy's overall effort to help and support consumers. We condemn these practices and urge merchants to avoid such practices. We will monitor the situation and will not hesitate to take action, other measures, if and when we see that these practices continue. This practice of extra cost discourages consumers. Any extra charge is completely unethical and unjustified. We want this practice to stop immediately. We are monitoring the issue and if necessary, we will take action. We will see how the situation evolves and act accordingly."

Consumers are urged to be vigilant in their market research. If they discover such practices, they are encouraged to report them and not proceed with an agreement with the specific company. See HERE for the list of companies participating in the "Photovoltaics for All" scheme.

In a recent announcement by the Consumer Protection Agency, it is noted, among other things, that consumers who have received or are expected to receive approval to participate in the "Photovoltaics for All" program are advised to check whether participating merchants impose additional charges. During the required market research, consumers should take into account that price should not be the sole criterion, as particular attention should be given to the performance of the photovoltaic system and its other technical specifications. In the same context, it is noted that the scheme's lists include a large number of participating merchants, offering many alternative options to consumers.

Finally, consumers are reminded that there is a wide range of prices in the market, but also a wide availability of systems within the subsidy amount.

Mr. Karagiorgis also emphasized that interest is already very high. There have already been 5654 applications. Additionally, 1250 approvals have been sent, and consumers can proceed with the installation of photovoltaics.

See HERE for more information about the "Photovoltaics for All" scheme.