What is a Photovoltaic System and How Does it Work?
A photovoltaic system uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. It works by capturing energy from the sun and turning it into power that can be used in homes or businesses. This process allows you to generate your own electricity in an eco-friendly way.
How Many Types of Photovoltaic Systems Are There?
There are three main types of photovoltaic systems:
- Grid-Tied Systems: These systems are connected to the public electricity grid, allowing you to use solar energy and switch to grid power when needed.
- Off-Grid Systems: These systems store the energy in batteries and are completely independent of the grid, making them ideal for remote areas.
- Hybrid Systems: These combine grid-tied and off-grid features, using both the grid and battery storage.
Regulations for RES Communities Expected in Late 2024
In the second half of 2024, the government will implement regulations governing the establishment and operation of “RES communities”, according to the Minister of Energy, George Papanastasiou. These new regulations will help facilitate the installation of solar power systems on apartment buildings with shared roofs. Energy communities, functioning as cooperatives, will allow apartment owners to generate energy from renewable sources.
Legislative Integration and European Directive
In response to a letter from Environmentalist MP Charalambos Theopeptou, Mr. Papanastasiou explained that the Ministry of Energy has already integrated the provisions of the European Directive on renewable energy communities into the 2022 Promotion and Encouragement of the Use of Renewable Energy Sources Law. The new framework will ensure that RES communities gain access to energy markets while removing unnecessary regulatory barriers.
Additionally, the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (CERA) initiated a tender for consulting services to help create the necessary regulations. Authorities plan to enact these regulations by late 2024.
Support for RES Communities
Mr. Papanastasiou also shared details about support measures for advancing RES communities. Since January 2024, the European Commission has provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Energy. This support focuses on identifying best practices, addressing development challenges, conducting public awareness campaigns, and creating financial incentives.
The ministry expects to have preliminary outcomes by July 2024. These recommendations will align with CERA’s regulatory framework. The government may also consider additional regulations based on insights gathered from this technical assistance.
National Energy and Climate Plan
The government has also included support for energy communities and RES communities in the National Energy and Climate Plan for 2030, which it submitted to the European Commission in July. In collaboration with a task force, the Ministry of Energy will review requests from municipalities and communities interested in establishing renewable energy communities. The task force will propose pilot projects to promote these communities ahead of the formal implementation of the regulatory framework.
Progress in the “Photovoltaics for All” Initiative
Meanwhile, the “Photovoltaics for All” initiative continues to make progress. Currently, around one in ten households has installed a photovoltaic system. The Ministry of Energy will soon begin evaluating applications for this project, reflecting Cyprus’s growing commitment to renewable energy.
Source: Cyprus Property News
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