Solar grants and subsidies - national and local

Photovoltaic and solar thermal - different systems, different grants and subsidies

For solar thermal systems, a grant is generally available towards the cost of purchasing the system. Ongoing, yield-dependent subsidies are not available, because the energy is used by the owner.
A certain level of grant towards purchase costs are also available for photovoltaic systems. However, the most attractive aspect of a photovoltaic system is the subsidy stipulated by the Law on Renewable Energies in the form of an export subsidy lasting 20 years. For each kilowatt hour of electricity that you export to the public grid, your local energy provider pays you an amount considerably above the current market price for electricity. The energy that you use for your own requirements is much cheaper. Assuming a 20-year lifespan for your system, this provides for a considerable return on investment. Electricity can still continue to be sold after the 20 years have elapsed, although the subsidy amount will need to be renegotiated.