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Orkustofnun launches solar panel subsidy program for residents in Iceland

Friday 26th 2024 on 18:33 in  
Iceland

Orkustofnun, Iceland’s National Energy Authority, is set to subsidize up to half the material costs for solar panels for residents aiming to reduce their electricity usage. The initiative is particularly beneficial for homes heated with electric power. The application process commenced at the end of June and will remain open until August 1.

Priority will be given to off-grid users, rural customers, and those in electric heating areas, although anyone can apply. Eyrún Gígja Káradóttir, a project manager at Orkustofnun, confirmed that numerous applications have already been received.

“This is a competitive fund with limited resources,” she noted. Typically, subsidies from Orkustofnun are linked to residential addresses, for example, when using subsidies for electrical heating. However, the authority wanted to make the solar panel funding more accessible, allowing businesses, summer cabin owners, or anyone interested to apply.

Eyrún emphasized the potential savings for those currently using oil for electricity generation and heating by switching to solar energy. This applies not only to summer cabin or caravan owners but also to isolated settlements where traditional electricity infrastructure is underdeveloped.

Orkustofnun installed solar panels in Grímsey over a year ago, marking the beginning of energy transitions in the area. Additionally, some users have begun implementing solar panels on their rooftops to cut down on energy bills.

While the economic viability of solar installations may take time in urban areas, they clearly offer returns in locations where energy prices are higher, particularly for those relying on oil. Eyrún also indicated that users can monitor real-time production figures from their solar installations, adding an aspect of engagement and interest in solar energy utilization.

Source 
(via ruv.is)