The energy ministry appears set to introduce measures discouraging upgrades of existing RES facilities operated by early-bird investors, who enjoy elevated tariffs for their output through older contracts with 20-year durations, their objective being to further boost production and earnings through the upgrades.

Some early-bird RES investors are making the most of a sharp price drop for new-technology solar panels offering far greater production potential, to fully upgrade their solar parks, energy ministry officials have observed.

Investors, in other words, are willing to purchase RES facilities for a second time and enjoy greater output for the remainder of their 20-year contracts signed with DAPEEP, the RES market operator.

The development is burdening the RES special account, from which producers are remunerated, as far greater energy quantities produced by revamped solar energy parks are being rewarded unrealistic tariffs, given the current market conditions shaping new tariff levels.

According to sources, energy minister Kostas Skrekas has warmly received recommendations by subordinates on the introduction of grid absorption limits for electricity amounts drawn from solar energy parks.

The plan entails implementing limits based on market data concerning solar parks prior to their technological upgrades.

Related measures could be imminent given the minister’s positive stance to the recommendations.