How it Works
Net-metering is a system that balances the electricity you import from the grid with the electricity your PV system generates and exports to the grid. This balancing is done by EAC on either a bi-monthly or monthly basis over a 36-month period. Surplus electricity generated is credited to your account for future use, while any shortfall is billed normally within each billing cycle. The final reconciliation of any surplus occurs in the last bill of the 36-month cycle, with any remaining surplus not being carried over to the next billing year.
Eligible Applicants
Residential and commercial buildings can apply for Net-Metering. PV systems can be installed on roofs of licensed units, buildings housing local authorities, or on the ground of the plot where the building is located. Unanimous owner consent is required for common area installations.
Residential PV Systems
Permanent residents in Cyprus who own their household or have written consent from the owner can apply for residential PV systems. Applicants must be listed under the residential tariff code.
The net-metering contract with EAC is valid for 15 years and is renewable according to current laws. Consumers with storage heaters can include their consumption in the reconciliation, provided the same supplier is used.
Non-Residential PV Systems
Non-domestic consumers who own or have consent from the property owner can apply for PV systems. Medium voltage tariff consumers must use the net-billing method.
The production/consumption contract is valid for 10 years and can be renewed per current regulations.
Sizing & Installation
When planning the installation of a PV system, it is crucial to consider the annual electricity consumption of the premises and the expected production of the PV system, calculated using simulation programs. Proper sizing is essential to meet the actual electrical needs. Over-sizing does not benefit from additional production due to the annual reconciliation, while under-sizing fails to provide sufficient savings. An energy study is necessary to determine the optimal size.
For single-phase premises, up to 4.16 kWp (or 5.2 kWp with storage) can be installed without justification. For three-phase premises, up to 4.16 kWp or up to 10.4 kWp with a dimensioning study can be installed, with inverters up to 1 KVA more powerful than the panels.
Sponsorship
Residential PV System installations are eligible for grants if the application for a Building Permit or Planning Permit was submitted before January 1, 2017. The available sponsorship categories are:
Category A1: General Photovoltaics with a grant of €375/kW, up to a maximum of €1500 (4kW). Installations in mountainous areas receive a 50% increase.
Category A2: Vulnerable Households with a grant of €1250/kW, up to a maximum of €6250 (4kW).
Category A3: Photovoltaics For All with a grant of €250/kW, up to a maximum of €1000 (4kW), plus an investment repayment of €1000/kW, with a maximum repayment of €4000.
Licensing Process for PV Systems
We handle the entire licensing procedure for your PV system. The process includes the following steps:
Application to District Administration/Municipality: We first apply to the District Administration or Municipality to obtain an exemption from a building permit.
Application to EAC: After obtaining the exemption, we submit an application to the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) as the Distribution System Operator (DSO).
During the application submission to EAC, applicants will pay a required fee of €332.85 + VAT. This fee covers the cost of handling the application by the DSO, the cost of the meter, inspection, and connection of the installation to the Distribution System, as well as the Remote-Control System. If the application is rejected, €200 + VAT of this fee will be refunded.
Upon receiving approval from the DSO, the net-metering offset contract form is signed. Applicants must finalize the installation and connection of the PV System within 60 working days after obtaining DSO approval.
Documents Required
Recent EAC utility bill in the applicant’s name
Last 12 months utility bills or a statement of the electricity consumption for the past twelve months
Title Deed of the building (or plot ownership title and construction license if the title deed is not available)
Building License
Plot Layout Plan
Signed statement from the applicant confirming the domestic unit is their permanent primary residence
Owners’ consent for installation (if the applicant is not the sole owner or is not the owner)
Permanent residence certification or six recent EAC utility bills (if the applicant is not a Cypriot national)
Proof of vulnerable consumer status (if applicable)