Czech Republic Expands Green Savings Program

• Czech Republic has announced that it will be launching the next round of its Green Savings Program from September 4, 2017
• It will also accept applications from existing users of solar PV systems provided they install a sophisticated system to improve the building's energy efficiency
• New residential units as well as buildings that have undertaken reconstruction will also be eligible to apply for financial support under the scheme
• Commercial consumers will get support of 150,000 CZK ($6,425) for systems producing over 4,000 kWh annually

Czech Republic has expanded its Green Savings Program to include PV systems installed under earlier phases. State Environmental Fund (SFZP) will be accepting applications for new residential and commercial solar power projects under the Green Savings Program from September 4, 2017.

The Green Savings Program, which came into force in 2014 and is managed by SEZP, encourages use of renewable energy sources in buildings that will lead to energy savings for the building. New residential units as well as reconstructed buildings can apply for grants. The program will run until the funds run dry or until 2021, whichever is earlier.

So far, the administration has paid 2 billion CZK ($85 million) to more than 12,500 beneficiaries.

Both residential and commercial consumers are eligible to claim support for installing solar systems under certain conditions. Consumers who already have a solar system installed and wish to avail the benefits under the Green Savings Program will need to extend their existing plant to a more powerful and sophisticated system. That means, the subsidy will be granted for a system if it increases the overall building efficiency by 20%.

The Ministry of Environment (MZP) said that commercial consumers whose PV systems produce over 4,000 kWh annually will get support of 150,000 CZK ($6,425). Homeowners living in polluted areas are eligible to get 7,500 CZK ($321.19) under the program.

"The popularity of solar systems, as ecological sources of energy for hot water or heating, is increasing each year," said Minister Richard Brabec. Adding, "In western countries it is quite an absolute standard. To promote such energy sources in our country is our big priority."

The Czech solar market has completely dried out in recent years, reaching a volume of less than 10 MW of newly installed PV per year.

Until May, a round of the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade's solar and storage program was open, which offered a total of 500 million CZK ($20 million) to investors in solar which needs to be combined with storage systems.