A 160 million-euro support program subsidizing solar energy panel installations by enterprises is nearing its launch, with the energy ministry set to publish its terms and conditions early next month, ahead of the program’s official announcement.

The support program will only be made available for zero feed-in systems – solar panel units not injecting their production into the grid.

Electricity produced by this category of units will either be instantly self-consumed or stored in incorporated batteries for latter use.

The energy ministry had initially considered restricting this subsidy program to enterprises installing solar systems with batteries, but ended up deciding to also make it available for businesses not incorporating batteries to their panels as some enterprises may not require storage options due to extended operating hours that would enable them to instantly self-consume all energy output.

Subsidy amounts will be smaller for solar panel installations without batteries as a result of their lower investment cost.