Mediterranean Action Plan

3. Product development
4. Testing and road worthiness
5. Education
6. Marketing
7. Promotion
MALTA - National study
8. Institutional support and legislative modification.
Financial Instruments
Government has introduced various financial support schemes aimed at increasing microgeneration
from as well as passive use of RE. This includes:
1) An increase in the refund on the purchase price of solar energy products for domestic
premises from 15% to 25% [subject to a maximum of Lm100 (€ 233)]. In addition the
network connection fee of Lm 70 (€ 163) is waived by Enemalta Corporation in the case
of new households installing these systems.
2) A grant of 25% on the purchase price of microwind systems (with a maximum generation
capacity of 3.7 kW) and which are installed on domestic premises [subject to a maximum
of Lm 100 (€ 233)].
3) A grant of 20% on the purchase price of photovoltaic installations with a minimum size of
1 kWp and less than 3.7 kWp on domestic premises. This grant is subject to a maximum
of Lm 500 (€ 1166) with an additional grant of Lm 250 (€ 582) for every additional 1 kWp
(±5%) above the minimum 1 kWp. In addition other support measures for such
installations include:
Waiving of the meter costs by Enemalta Corporation and amounting to Lm 20 (€ 47)
fee for the installation of the meter necessary for the operation of the photovoltaic
technology;
Net metering for electricity generated from renewable energy sources with a spill tariff
of 3c/kWh (€ 0.07/kWh) for any excess electricity fed into the grid.
In addition Government has also introduced tax incentives measures for the promotion of
biofuels, whereby the biomass content (i.e. percentage element) in biodiesel is exempt from
the excise duty.
In addition to the above in the Draft RES policy it is further noted that:
1) Government will on its part seek to increase state funding in support schemes. Surplus
electricity exported to the grid will be fairly valued taking into account the benefits
associated with distributed generation;
2) Government will give priority and seek to incentivise RES industries especially the solar
thermal and solar photovoltaic industries. These include fiscal incentives, such as
advantageous tax rates, special loans and loan guarantees, training grants and
subsidised property rates;
3) Permitting of large-scale RES projects will be facilitated, with public-private partnership
schemes encouraged.
4) Government will consider revisions to the building regulations and planning permits to
make inclusion of solar water heating a mandatory element in all new housing, tourism
and major retrofit projects. Exceptions will need to be approved where applicant clearly
demonstrates that other energy efficiency measures have been included. (Government
of Malta, 2006a)
447