The Ministry of Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology of Austria (BMK) has approved additional funds of €20 million for supporting installation of small-scale solar PV systems owing to 'strong demand'. It takes the total budget for the program to €68 million.
Under the program, so far 84,000 PV systems have been funded for 1 and 2 family homes and for commercial rooftops. The government targets to have solar power on 1 million roofs in the country by 2030 (see Austria Proposes 100,000 Solar Roofs Program).
Local solar association PV Austria (PVA) said this would mean the government has almost exhausted the funding pot for systems up to 50 kW. Larger systems may be built, but the funding limit stays at 50 kW.
PVA Managing Director DI Vera Immitzer said, "The uncertainty in the last few weeks has been correspondingly great and has posed major challenges for installers and potential system operators. The increase required by the PVA was therefore unavoidable. With the increase that has now taken place, private individuals as well as small and medium-sized enterprises who want to rely on renewable energy from solar power during the summer can implement their systems."
The funding program is open till the end of 2022, depending on the budget available. Details about the funding availability can be found on the government's Climate and Energy Fund website.
Austria targets to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2030 with solar contributing 11 TWh under the Renewable Expansion Law EAG, approved by the country's Parliament in July 2021 (see Austria Votes For 100% Renewable Energy Scenario For 2030).