28.01.2024
In Cyprus, rising electricity tariffs are becoming a major problem for many households, forcing the government to introduce various incentives to encourage investment in solar energy. The goal of these activities is to produce electricity at home and reduce household consumption costs. Using solar energy is indeed a cost-effective alternative, reducing the average home’s energy costs to around 10-20% of normal consumption. Due to rising energy costs, the number of households choosing this option is growing.
However, there is a problem for those properties, such as apartments, where there is no space to install solar panels. Even where this is possible, other problems may arise: improper roof angle for optimal panel placement, or shading from tall trees, which reduces the effectiveness of the panels, especially in forested areas. In cases where there are technical limitations to installing and operating the panels, another way to produce renewable energy may be found.
In Greece, for example , investment companies buy land suitable for these purposes, develop solar parks and sell a share, with the meter readings counted towards the home consumption of the “shareholders”. This approach has not yet found widespread use in Cyprus, but these or similar alternatives may be considered. It can also help in installing solar panels in apartment buildings, factories, hotels, shopping malls, etc. Such “cluster solar parks” can help save land, especially when there is no available space to accommodate them, and when it comes to using good agricultural land and cutting down trees.
Public pressure is influencing government decisions on this issue and numerous alternatives have been proposed, such as eliminating the need to place panels where consumption occurs. All ideas must be positively received by the government in terms of the possibility of their implementation. The reduction in energy costs directly impacts tenants, who will find that the total cost of rent and energy will be much less than if the panels were not present.
Those with properties located in mountainous areas will benefit least from these measures, not only due to the presence of trees and shade that prevent full absorption of the sun’s rays, but also due to the remoteness of the structures and maintenance costs. In each case, engaging a specialist contractor or mechanical-electrical engineer to advise you on the various grants available can be of great help in assessing this capital investment versus the cost savings.
