The Malta Resources Authority has launched a scheme aiming to encourage the use of systems for domestic use that reduce the consumption of energy or those systems that make use of renewable sources of energy.
The scheme is in line with the Budget 2009 and applies to solar water heaters, photovoltaic panels, roof thermal insulation material and double glazed windows or doors.
Applicants need to apply prior to purchasing the eligible systems. The Malta Resources Authority will issue a grant offer letter confirming that the applicants and their chosen equipment are eligible for the scheme. The systems have to be installed within four months of the grant offer letter. Part III of the application form together with the required documents must be sent after the installation is complete and within the four months mentioned in the grant offer letter.
Please click on the appropriate link below for the government notice, guidance notes, applicant application forms, retailer application forms, registration of technology application forms. Application forms for the grants are to be submitted to the Malta Resources Authority on the dates stipulated on the government notice and in accordance to the requirements of the scheme. Applications received by post are processed after 5pm on the date they are received. This scheme is regulated by Government Notice 81 of 2009.
Solar Heating Energy Savers
The Malta Resources Authority will encourage the use of renewable energy sources. Probably, the most feasible are solar water heaters, which can provide hot water and so reduce the consumption of electricity. This policy positively encourages this form of energy provision, whilst limiting its visual impact.
The collector panels are normally inclined (but limited to an angle between 40º and 50º) and oriented to the direction from which most sunshine can be captured (obstructions to the path of the sun may dictate an orientation other than due south). In general, the collectors should be sited so that they are at a distance of twice the height of an obstacle away from that obstacle. Although they do not necessarily have to be located on a roof, the presence of obstructions (higher buildings or structures) at ground level generally means that in many situations a roof location is the optimum position.
Given the angularity of the panels, the overall bulk of a solar water heater and the reflectiveness of the materials used in their construction, they may appear incongruous in certain positions on the roofs of buildings. However, any adverse impacts can be mitigated through appropriate location and the siting of the storage tank within adjoining washrooms or other existing roof structures. Multiple solar water heaters will be acceptable on a building provided that they each meet the criteria below.
MEPA will positively encourage the provision of photovoltaic (PV) modules (solar modules). These can be integrated in the building envelope or mounted on separate dedicated supports (stand-off arrays). Stand-off arrays can be placed on existing roofs without any structural alterations. These arrays are generally light and mounted on free-standing frames, which can be tilted and rotated to the most suitable orientation and pitch according to site’s location and seasonal variation to maximise collection. The areas required for solar electricity generation are larger than for solar water heater, although the arrays are likely to have less visual impact because of the absence of a water tank and their smaller bulk.
Solar Modules integrated into the building fabric or envelope are likely to be generally acceptable where they would not adversely affect the character or appearance of an historic building or area (particularly UCAs) or elsewhere have an adverse impact on the townscape.