A growing number of residential electricity users are turning to net-metering solutions as a means of restricting their energy bill costs, latest official data has shown.

Some 12,500 applications have been submitted to distribution network operator DEDDIE/HEDNO’s platform, now upgraded and simplified, for grid capacity reservations concerning small-scale PV systems with production capacities of up to 10 kW.

Virtually all of these applications were submitted by residential applicants, a small remainder made up of applications by farmers.

Contrary to expectations, many residential PV applicants who have reserved grid space are shunning the opportunity to secure subsidies offered through a support program for roof-mounted PVs, as they are sticking to basic plans that do not incorporate batteries, subsequently ruling themselves out for subsidy support.

Households opting to install battery-free PV systems are not eligible for subsidies. However, farmers remain eligible for subsidy support even if they do not attach batteries to their PVs.

In numbers, 12,500 small-scale PV systems have secured grid capacity, while only 7,500 of these plan to combine batteries into their systems, making them eligible for subsidy support.

The other 5,000, or 40 percent, will remain ineligible for such support, despite subsidies of at least 90 percent for batteries.

According to market officials, the addition of batteries to PV systems increases the amount needed up front – before subsidy reimbursement, offered several months later – by an average of 5,000 euros, a deterrent for many applicants.

Subsidies for PVs range from 35 to 65 percent, depending on income status. Low-income applicants are eligible for battery subsidies covering the entire cost.