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MED Operational Programme – Cohesion Policy 2007-2013Europe in the Mediterranean

This project is part-financed by the European UnionEuropean Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Co-financing rate: 85% EU Funds; 15% National Funds

Investing in your future

Programme Med

Project Acronym: ELIH-MED

Project Title: Energy Efficiency in Low-income Housing in the Mediterranean

Lead Partner: National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development

Component: Work package 4: Setting up of integrated strategies for the development of renewable energy

Phase: 1. Impact of current policies to improve energy efficiency in LIH in the Med area.

Responsible Partner: CRES - Centre for Renewable Energy Sources

Table of Contents Page

Executive Summary..................................................................................................9

1 Introduction............................................................................................................11

1.1 Summary of the project.....................................................................................11

1.2 Overview of the Project.....................................................................................11

1.3 Origin of the project..........................................................................................12

1.4 Geographic coverage.......................................................................................14

1.5 Objectives.........................................................................................................14

1.6 Activities............................................................................................................15

1.7 Structure of the Report ....................................................................................17

2 Overview of low income houses..........................................................................19

2.1 Energy Performance Certification ....................................................................19

2.2 Energy Poverty.................................................................................................21

3 Housing overview..................................................................................................22

3.1 Baby Boom housing..........................................................................................22

3.1.1 Heating Season..............................................................................22

3.1.2 Cooling Season..............................................................................23

3.2 Heating season in England...............................................................................23

4 Policy and regulation frameworks for energy efficiency within low income households ..............................................................................................................25

4.1 Analysis of ongoing or recently achieved projects and initiatives.....................25

4.1.1 Clearing House Facilitation.............................................................26

4.1.2 POWER House Europe – A Spotlight on the Funding Retrofitting

projects for the National Housing Federation in the United Kingdom......27

4.1.3 SQUARE - A System for Quality Assurance when Retrofitting

Existing Buildings to Energy Efficient Buildings.......................................28

4.2 Energy Improvement Measures and their Effect on the Indoor Environment...28

4.3 Basic and Active energy improvement measures.............................................31

4.4 Cost–benefit analysis of energy efficiency in urban low-cost housing..............32

5 Co-operative to improve energy efficiency in low income housing.................33

6 Malta's Strategy to reach EU2020 objectives......................................................35

6.1 The Maltese National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and the National Renewable Action Plan (NEEAP)...........................................................................35

6.1.1 Short description and objectives: ...................................................35

6.1.2 Effectiveness - Efficiency indicators: .............................................36

6.1.3 Description .....................................................................................36

6.2 The Sustainable Energy Action Plans in Malta.................................................37



6.3 Current European, national, regional and local regulation frameworks promoting energy efficiency in existing LIH............................................................39

6.3.1 The Building Industry Consultative Council (BICC).......................39

6.3.2 Short description, objectives, regulated areas: ..............................39

7 The European , national, regional and local financial resources (mechanism, program) promoting energy efficiency in low income housing...........................41

7.1 Name of policy: A Once-Only Grant on the Purchase of Solar Heating Energy Savers for Domestic Use........................................................................................41

7.2 Financials..........................................................................................................41

7.3 Short description and objectives: .....................................................................41

7.3.1 Effectiveness - Efficiency indicators:..............................................42

7.4 Grants on the purchase of roof thermal insulation - 2006 Scheme .................43

7.4.1 Eligibility .........................................................................................43

7.4.2 Area of applicability.........................................................................44

7.4.3 Financials.......................................................................................44



7.4.6 Validity ...........................................................................................45

7.5 Grants on the purchase of solar photovoltaic systems - 2006 scheme............46

7.5.1 Area of applicability ........................................................................46

7.5.2 Eligibility:.........................................................................................46

7.5.3 Short description and objectives: ..................................................47


7.6 Solar Water Heaters ERDF Grant Scheme......................................................48

7.6.1 Short description of funding mechanism and objectives:................48

7.6.2 Description......................................................................................48


7.7 Grant on the Purchase of Household Appliances for Domestic Use Certified as Being Efficient in the Use of Energy ......................................................................50

7.7.1 Which are the applied criteria for defining a low income household

................................................................................................................50

7.7.2 Duration of the scheme .................................................................50

7.7.3 Short description of funding mechanism and objectives: ..............51

7.8 A Grant on the Purchase of Systems for Domestic Use that Reduce the Use of Energy, or Use Renewable Sources of Energy......................................................53

7.8.1 Which are the applied criteria for defining a low income household:

................................................................................................................53

7.8.2 Financial Mechanism......................................................................53

7.8.3 Area of applicability.........................................................................54

7.8.4 Short description of funding mechanism and objectives: ..............54


7.9 A Scheme to Promote the Domestic Use of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) 56

7.9.1 Eligibility..........................................................................................56



7.10 A Grant on the Purchase of Systems for Domestic Use that Reduce the Use of Energy, or Use Renewable Sources of Energy..................................................58


................................................................................................................58

7.10.2 Financials.....................................................................................59

7.10.3 Effectiveness - Efficiency indicators: ...........................................59

7.11 A Grant on the Purchase of Systems for Domestic Use that Reduce the Use of Energy, or Use Renewable Sources of Energy .................................................60

7.11.1 Area of applicability.......................................................................60


................................................................................................................60

7.11.3 Short description of funding mechanism and objectives:..............61

7.11.4 Financials......................................................................................61

7.11.5 Effectiveness - Efficiency indicators: ............................................61

7.11.6 Registration of systems................................................................62


7.12.1 Financials.....................................................................................63

7.12.2 Short description of funding mechanism and objectives: .............64




................................................................................................................65

7.13.2 Financials.....................................................................................65

7.13.3 Eligibility Applicant........................................................................65

7.13.4 Applicability ..................................................................................67



7.14 A Grant for the Purchase of Photovoltaic Systems in the Domestic Sector....69

7.14.1 Implementing bodies: ..................................................................69

7.14.2 Applicability...................................................................................69

7.15 Eligibility of photovoltaic systems...................................................................70


7.15.2 Duration of the scheme................................................................70


7.15.4 A Scheme to Promote the Domestic Use of Compact Fluorescent

Lamps (CFLs)..........................................................................................72



7.16 A Grant for the Purchase of Photovoltaic Systems in the Domestic Sector....74


7.16.2 Eligibility........................................................................................74

7.16.3 Duration of the scheme................................................................75

7.16.4 Financials.....................................................................................75


8 Ongoing or completed LIH energy retrofitting projects in your Malta.............76

8.1.1 Short description of project, actions – technical solutions included:

................................................................................................................76

8.1.2 Assessment of results.....................................................................77

8.1.3 Barriers encountered during implementation..................................77

8.1.4 List some of the common technical or institutional issues impeding

the application of EE measures in LIH in your country / region...............78


9 Conclusions .........................................................................................................80

10 References ..........................................................................................................81

Executive Summary

ELIH-Med is an EU funded project within the Med-programme which focuses

on energy efficiency in low income housing in the Mediterranean area in the

context of EU 2020 objectives. The project’s original goal is to analyse

previous and active funding mechanisms, comprising any proposals laid by

the authority of each region.

ELIH MED rotates about Axes 2 which is entitled as the “Protection of the

environment and promotion of a sustainable territorial development”. And

around objective 2.2 - ”Promotion and renewable energy and improvement of

energy efficiency”.

In this light, the Maltese government has also declared a policy to find the

synergies between energy efficiency and the overall Government’s energy

policies, particularly as an opportunity for economic growth, as well as the

various branches in spheres of social development and the environment. In

connection with this the government is in the process of promoting and

legislating Energy Performance Certification of already existent buildings.

EPC is an official document further to an energy performance assessment

which is carried out according to methodology established by LN 261/2008.

The Maltese National Energy Efficiency Action Plan is aimed at reaching the

EU2020 objectives and to find the optimum energy efficiency in a renewable

manner. Then this report will go into describing a low income housing energy

retrofitting project in Malta in a location known as Birkirkara tal-Ftieh. This pilot

included both measures taken during the construction phase as well as others

which could be retrofitted. This study was carried out over the time frame

commencing from October 2006 until September 2007. On the same note this

report goes on to mention various kinds of efficient and renewable energy

projects promoted by the Maltese government.

Then this publication goes on to focus on the consolidation and projections of

ELIH MED within the Mediterranean region through the project's consortium.

1 Introduction

ELIH-Med project focuses on energy efficiency in low income housing in the

Mediterranean area in the context of the EU 2020 objectives. The population

targeted by the project includes tenants, owners or any kind of occupiers with

low income. It was estimated how households suffering energy poverty

represent about 40% of the total building stock and is considered as 'far to

reach' through traditional public.

Policies are required in order to support innovative technical and financial

approaches in order to help them reduce their energy consumption. The

project focuses on the identification and demonstration of the best solutions

on a large scale experimentation. In this manner the most feasible and the

best financial mechanisms backed with ERDF could be extended to all

Mediterranean territories.

1.1 Summary of the project

On of the main function of this project is to analyse the current fashion in

energy performance of low income households. In this manner we can then

analyse any current policies concerned with energy retrofitting and their

energy consumption in the view of 2020. Thus the partners in the consortium

can visualise the gaps between energy consumption and the 2020 objectives.

1.2 Overview of the Project

Energy efficient performance in existing housing estates has obtained political

limelight amongst European member states in a special way in the United

Kingdom. Existing residential blocks have been identified as the key target

group that needs to be taken into consideration in the aim of meeting the

targets for complying the 2020 goals set by the European Commission.

The aim of ELIH-MED is to come up with a long-term financial algorithm to

support retrofitting that could be suitable for housings belonging or leased to

families falling below the poverty line.

The project’s original goal is to analyse previous and active funding

mechanisms, comprising any proposals laid by the authority of each region

and to benchmark their viability to fund energy efficiency retrofits for low

income households.

As part of this study, ELIH-MED will scrutinize any funding mechanisms,

including EU funding and the criteria related with such initiatives. Moreover,

this project will raise the issue of financing retrofitting projects within the

Maltese National Energy Efficient Action Plan and the necessity for public

funds to finance it.

Finally, MIEMA with the support of ELIH-MED's consortium will proof a

credible evidence by the base to present to local authorities by retrofitting 35

different households which will be deemed as low income and worst energy

performance. In this manner MIEMA can ensure that policies related with

retrofitting for low income households will take into account what it takes from

the related regional authorities to improve the energy efficiency of existing

households adequately.

1.3 Origin of the project

The partners forming ELIH-MED's consortium have been already engaged in

European funded projects related with energy efficiency in general. These

projects have demonstrated that the 2020 Eutopia is till beyond our horizons.

Recent statistics show how energy consumption in buildings gobbles up to

40% of the total energy amongst EU member states. Moreover, the thermal

renovation amongst Europe’s 200 million houses currently stands at under

0.3%.

Various Intelligent Energy Europe projects showed how social housing

operators and Energy Service Companies should come up with a common

technical, legal and financial framework for the promotion of EPC's within

already existent social housing. The outcome of these projects will be the

implementation and evaluation of EPC for extensive refurbishments during

four pilot studies. Similarly to the Intelligent Energy Europe programme the

MED programme promotes the best methodologies and recommendations in

this area to the corresponding authorities for each member state in a scalable

manner.

Previous projects elaborated how the Energy Performance Certification (EPC)

can ultimately define the ultimate financial mechanism which can alleviate the

carbon footprint and the energy costs for low income housings by a factor 4

by 2050. This can be goal can be attained by certifying energy savings and

bring private capital investments. In this manner, the analysis of the major

obstacles to the scalability of these concepts can finally propose legal

evolutions as well as public.

Following the latest economic turmoil, more and more people are becoming

aware of our society's dependence on petroleum. The economic crisis set off

in December 2007 as a result of the mortgage-backed securities in the United

States was exacerbated by the instability in the price of crude oil and led to an

increase in the prices of energy, food and water.

Two years of economic crisis have largely shaped the strategy for Europe

2020, in which the objective is to enable the European Union to become

stronger following the financial recovery. This involves the adoption of a new

framework of thought incorporating a sustainable economy.

The absence of specific financial mechanisms is a significant obstacle to the

energy retrofitting of low income housing amongst Europe state members.

The correct funding frameworks should account for the Energy Performance

Contracts (EPC) in which an Energy Service Company (ESCO) gives

financial backup for energy restoration such as correct insulation whose

savings can repays the expenses

1.4 Geographic coverage

ELIH-MED's principles rotate around the axis of innovative cost effective

solutions and financial frameworks aimed at energy management

opportunities for low income households in the Mediterranean. The project will

shed light upon the importance of such experimentation representing about

65% of the total budget effort be representative of the variety of low income

households in the Mediterranean region.

For this reason, pilot project will be compiled at the same time by each partner

in the consortium. This implies that ELIH MED's activities are diffused

amongst 6 Mediterranean countries; Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Cyprus and

Malta. These countries being characterised by heterogeneous geographical,

social and climatic backgrounds. .

1.5 Objectives

Recent statistical research showed how buildings, in general, account for half

of Europe's entire energy use and one-third of its carbon footprint. In the light

of the instability in the price of crude oil, fuel deficiency affecting millions of

European citizens and the need to diminish our carbon footprint, it is of vital

importance to overhaul the existing housing at a better energy performance.

Since 1997, the “Factor 4” has been envisioned as a goal in several national

energy efficient action plans in the aim of reducing the greenhouse gases

emissions by seventy five percent by 2050 when compared to 1990. The

latest research shows how the countries with the lowest carbon content

electricity, the factor 4 on greenhouse gases emissions cannot be reached by

the housing stock without diminishing the necessity for energy by a factor of 4.

1.6 Activities

The Maltese government has also declared a policy objective to find

synergies between energy efficiency and the overall Government’s energy

policies as an opportunity for economic growth as well as the various

ramifications in spheres of social development and the environment. When

compared to measures of alternative and renewable energy sources, energy

efficiency is variously considered as the most viable option for improved

energy security and the reduction of carbon emissions. A plan for energy

efficiency has been drawn for this purpose and it is refereed to as the

National energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP).

The NEEAP generally purports to identify those measures deemed to be most

cost-effective and that will optimist energy efficiency in a number of contexts.

Similarly to ELIH-MED this plan further aims to denote a way forward for the

rational Implementation of these measures.

ELIH-MED is to be implemented in a structured holistic manner, in line with

the following strategy:

1. Ensure that the public sector becomes a role model in energy efficiency;

2. Promote increased awareness and behavioural change by consumers on

an individual level;

3. Adopt financing tools and economic incentives targeting all sectors,

implemented in full compliance with the applicable State aid rules, which will

stimulate take up of more efficient technologies;

4. Take advantage of, and support, international efforts – in particular at EU

level – to ensure that more efficient energy using products become available

to the consumer;

5. Use legislation and fiscal instruments judiciously, for example by setting

standards for energy performance in buildings or for providers of energy

services such as auditors or installers;

6. Carry out research in energy efficient technologies and practices suitable

for adoption in Malta; and

7. Create the organizational structures necessary to support the achievement

of these objectives

1.7 Structure of the Report

The first past of this report introduces the aims and objectives of the project in

the aim of giving a brief summary of the project. This is followed by an

overview of the objectives and activities within ELIH MED's action plan. A brief

description about the origin of the project is given as well with reference to its

geographic coverage.

This is follow by depicting the scenario about low income houses such

households. A section is dedicated to the housing overview within the

European Union. A highlight is made to the so called "baby boom housing"

which have been erected during the aftermath of the second world war.

Following this dilemma this publication has a look at the heating and cooling

season. There is a tendency that building standards and regulations for each

country are embraced within one of the seasons and not in both. In this

manner this desk analysis accounts for both perspectives. In connection to

this, the heating season in investigated as applicable in England.

Then the policies and regulation frameworks for energy efficiency for low

income households are investigated in connection with ongoing or recently

achieved retro fitting projects and initiatives. Within the same context, bench

marking of other EU-funded projects similar to ELIH-MED is carried out.

Within the Maltese case a cost benefit analysis of energy efficiency in urban

low-cost housing is made. Within the same scenario it is mentioned how a

domestic co-operative to improve energy efficiency in low income housing can

aid energy efficiency within the housing stocks in general. A collective

agreement amongst those living in social housing blocks. Such energy

initiatives within governmental buildings are described in the Malta's Strategy

to reach EU2020 objective.

In connection to the NEEAP the report goes into investigating the Sustainable

Energy Action Plans in Malta. The SEAP's are mandatory for those

municipalities making part of the covenant of mayors.

Each municipality draws a short description in terms of the objectives relevant

to the localities. In this light, the governmental authorities deduced the current

European, national, regional and local regulation frameworks promoting

energy efficiency in existing LIH.

This report then goes on to describe objectives and regulated areas which are

administrated by the Building Industry Consultative Council (BICC) and its

responsibility for gearing and tuning the regulations related with energy

efficiency in buildings.

Penultimately, a particular emphasis is made to the European, regional and

local financial resources (mechanism programmes) promoting energy

efficiency amongst low income housing.

The first policy promoting energy efficiency within the domestic sector in Malta

was called "A Once-Only Grant on the Purchase of Solar Heating Energy

Savers for Domestic Use". This report than sheds light on the financial

mechanism for each of the applied criteria for the definition of a low income

household. The effectiveness indicators for the objectives of each funding

mechanism is inspected so as to provide feedback for each grant scheme.

Finally the report digs into the stability and consolidations for each projection

amongst all the regions participating in the project. Then the desk analysis

identifies any prospect obstacles for the scalability of the project.

2 Overview of low income houses

Jewkes, Melanie D. et. al. in “Weaknesses of Housing Affordability Indices

Used by Practitioner” describes how the subprime mortgage and foreclosure

meltdown of 2007-2008 emphasized the need for a re-conceptualization of

measures of an individual household's ability to afford housing. A clear link

needs to be established between what a household can afford and the loan

amount for which a household qualifies. In the same publication Jewkes,

Melanie D. et. al.Wwithin the same publication provides:

a conceptual review of three commonly used housing affordability

indices

the National Low Income Housing Coalition Affordability Index for

renters, also known as Housing Wage;

The publication explains how the review of measures showed a lack of ability

to easily adapt housing affordability measures to individual households. The

authors recommend that housing practitioners utilize an adapted residual

income approach that considers household size, geographic location,

transportation, and non-housing related expenses, rather than standard

affordability measures or qualifying guidelines.

2.1 Energy Performance Certification

An EPC is an official document further to an energy performance assessment

which is carried out according to methodology established by LN 261/2008.

To be valid, the Certificate must be registered with the Malta Resources

Authority (MRA). The EPC describes the energy performance of a particular

dwelling and establishes a numerical rating in terms of Energy Performance

and Carbon Dioxide Emissions. An accompanying Advisory/Recommendation

Report is also drawn up, providing information regarding ways to improve the

energy efficiency of the property.

The Energy Use of the building, in kilo Watt hours per square metre per

year, indicates the typical amount of energy needed to live comfortably

in that building. The lower the value of the Energy Use, the more

efficient the dwelling and hence less running costs.

The Carbon Dioxide Emissions, in Kg of CO2 per square metre per

year, is an indication of how much carbon dioxide emissions are

produced per annum to generate that required amount of energy.

Hence it is a measure of the impact the dwelling has on the

environment. Lower Carbon Dioxide Emissions values indicate a more

environment-friendly dwelling.

EPC endorses how the owner of a house or the corresponding estate agent

should have the certificate drawn up by a competent EPC assessor when

property is constructed, sold, rented out or when a major retrofit is being

compiled. The certificate should be made available to potential buyers or

tenants so that they may be informed on how much energy is required to live

comfortably in that particular building and be able to compare with other

properties they are considering to build, buy or rent. The owner is not bound

by law to implement the recommended improvements. However, new

buildings must conform to as notified by Government Notice No. 1002 of

2006.

Poel, Bart et. al. explains how The existing buildings stock in European

countries accounts for over 40% of final energy consumption in the European

Union (EU) member states, of which residential use represents 63% of total

energy consumption in the buildings sector. Consequently, an increase of

building energy performance can constitute an important instrument in the

efforts to alleviate the EU energy import dependency and comply with the

Kyoto Protocol to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This is also in accordance

to the European Directive on the energy performance of buildings (EPBD),

which has come to effect on 4 January 2006. The energy performance

assessment for existing dwellings (EPA-ED) is a new methodology supported

by software, developed in the framework of a European project that focuses

on energy related issues for existing residential buildings, in line with the

EPBD.

2.2 Energy Poverty

Kitakyushu, K. specialized in accessibility to energy and resources with a

particular emphasis to sustainable development and energy shortages.

Kitakyushu, K. emphasizes that many rural areas, poor people still depend on

wood and other biomass fuels for most of their household and income-

generating activities. The difficult, time-consuming work of collecting and

managing traditional fuels is widely viewed as women's responsibility, which is

a factor in women's disproportionate lack of access to education and income,

and inability to escape from poverty. Therefore, it is important for energy

access programs to have a special focus on women. New options for energy

access and sustainable livelihoods, like small-scale biofuels production, can

have dramatic benefits for rural women, and their families and communities.

Moreover Kitakyushu, K. extends his argument by describing energy

development as a driving force and a consequence of such tremendous

changes, has had profound impact on economic, social, and environmental

development. Rural energy has always been a critical issue due to years of

energy shortage for both households and industries. Biomass, for long time,

has been the only available fuel in many rural areas. The situation in rural

areas is even more critical as local demand for energy outstrips availability

and the vast majority of people depend on non-commercial energy supplies.

Energy is also an input to water supply, communication, commerce, health,

education and transportation in rural areas.

3 Housing overview

The building directive was introduced in 2003 by the European Commission

through EC Directive. This was done to highlight the importance of energy

management opportunities amongst social housing. This Directive is aimed at

giving freedom to design the different elements in practice for each member

state. The energy certificate as demanded by this EC Directive can be used

as a communicative and tool in combination with economic principles.

3.1 Baby Boom housing

Within this context Peter Malpass elaborates how the observation that

planning for post-war housing policy has been a neglected area of study,

especially in comparison with the attention given to housing during the First

World War. Drawing on research in the official files, the article shows that

planning for housing after the war began as early as 1941, and that a detailed

and ambitious policy was in place well before the end of the war.

Peter Malpass goes on to describe how the commitment to a very large

housing programme was underpinned by the intention to use the construction

industry as a way of absorbing labour and pursuing full employment. The main

questions addressed by officials and ministers concerned the number of

houses to be built and the agencies to be employed to build them. He

concluded that in terms of the quantity and quality of houses to be built the

housing policy of the coalition government was more radical and ambitious

than is generally recognized. But it was highly conservative in terms of its

stance on systemic reform.

3.1.1 Heating Season

Most often households are either designed specifically for the heating season

or else for the cooling season. The heating season consists of the colder part

of the year which requires secondary heating sources such as electric

heaters, boilers and specifically designed insulation and reflections systems. It

is of utmost importance that the heat generated is maintained within the

building. Such a goal can be obtained by air-tightedness, insulation,

appropriate structural design and geographic orientation.

3.1.2 Cooling Season

Conversely the cooling season is featured by an overwhelming need for

ventilation and refrigeration systems which can lower the air temperature

throughout the year. In this light, a household is designed to keep the heat

away from the households in the aim of maintaining a lower air temperature.

The main source of heat comes from the sun implying that means that the

households need measures which can simultaneously radiate the solar heat

and retain the room temperature while ensuring 6 air changes per hour as

specified by the European and British Standards.

3.2 Heating season in England

Oreszczyn, Tadj et. al. analyse the factors affecting indoor temperatures in low

income households in England by quantifying the extent to which variation in

heating season indoor temperatures are explained by dwelling and household

characteristics and increased by energy efficiency improvements in low

income households. A survey of dwellings in the Warm Front home energy

efficiency scheme was carried out in five urban areas of England. Half-hourly

living room and main bedroom temperatures were recorded for 2–4 weeks

over two winters.

Oreszczyn, Tadj et. al. found how in each dwelling, the regression of indoor on

outdoor temperature was used to obtain estimates of daytime living room and

night time bedroom temperatures under standardized conditions (outdoor

temperature of 5°C). The results indicate that the median standardized

daytime living room temperature was 19.1°C and the median standardized

night time bedroom temperature 17.1°C. Temperatures were influenced by

property characteristics, including its age, construction and thermal efficiency

and also by the household number of people and the age of the head of

household. Dwellings that received both heating and insulation measures

through the Warm Front scheme had daytime living room temperatures 1.6°C

higher than per-intervention dwellings, night time bedroom temperatures were

2.8°C higher.

4 Policy and regulation frameworks for energy efficiency within low income households

The basis holding of numerous EU-funded program such as MED, Intelligent

Energy and the Framework Programmes seek to contribute security,

sustainability and competitive priced energy for Europe. The action plan

designed to attain these goals constitutes of:

embracing energy efficiency and the sustainable use of energy

resources;

the promotion of innovative and renewable energy sources and to

support a variety of energy sources;

promoting energy efficiency and the use of different sources of

renewable energy sources within the transport sector.

4.1 Analysis of ongoing or recently achieved projects and initiatives.

The programmes' action place will contribute and aid at conforming with the

EU Energy 2020 strategy in order to:

facilitate the implementation of the EU action plan for energy-efficiency

promote the directive about the promotion and use of energy from

renewable energy sources build on the experience gained from

previous EU-funded projects the spread of efficient use of energy and

greater use of new and renewable energy sources objectives of EU

energy policy and to implementing the Lisbon Agenda.

The priority axis belonging to ELIH-MED are based within this framework. In

this manner ELIH-MED can hinder investment across member states in new

and best practices in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy

sources and energy diversification by narrowing the disparity between the

presentation of progressive technologies and their actual, broad market

uptake

c) reduce any obstacles to efficient forms of energy harvesting and utilisation

by highlighting institutional capacity building at local and regional level. This

requires the raising of awareness through the educational system and

encouraging exchanges of experience and by catalysing the diffusion of the

best case scenarios and best available application technologies at EU level.

4.1.1 Clearing House Facilitation

Clearing House Facilitation is a project aimed at designing the road-map for

better energy building performance Less Developed Regions in the EU.

The project will ultimately facilitate local establishment by:

Helping to overcome organizational barriers for efficient Clearing house

operations at local level

Helping to create a sound framework for RUE in building projects

Bridging the gap between project owners - municipalities and

residential and the financing sources available for project financing

Raising awareness and channel information to the action's target

groups on RUE in building projects and Clearing house aspects in

general

The EU Green Paper on Energy Efficiency from 2005 highlights the necessity

for the creation of economic and financial mechanism which can promote

investments related with energy efficiency. In this manner having a European

Clearinghouse can be established amongst medium scale energy related

projects.

4.1.2 POWER House Europe – A Spotlight on the Funding Retrofitting projects for the National Housing Federation in the United Kingdom

Power House Europe is an EU project funded within Intelligent Energy Europe. Its primary objective is to review already existent and future funding schemes in terms of their suitability and ability to back up retrofitting projects for social housing.

As part of this scrutiny, the Power House Europe examines any sources of funding, including EU funding and the effectiveness attached to such funding. In addition with this project, Power House Europe keeps the issue of financing retrofitting on government’s front burner, and the need for competent public funds to finance it.

The consortium composing Power House Europe are working with the Energy

Efficiency Partnership for Homes (EEPH) to come up with a funding model

that foresees feed in tariffs as a revenue stream and are finding ways of

increasing the availability of low-cost capital to housing associations in

England.

The main objectives of Power House Europe are to:

• Discuss the Green Deal, to ensure it can be delivered to all housing tenures

and present housing associations with a business opportunity. The

conversation is on-going and David Orr is meeting DECC ministers on 19th

July

• Put a Comprehensive Spending Review submission that includes policy and

funding requests on retrofitting

• Consult members on the current CESP review and the Green Deal

•Review all current regional, national and European funding streams and will

publish a report for members on their website

4.1.3 SQUARE - A System for Quality Assurance when Retrofitting Existing Buildings to Energy Efficient Buildings

Energy efficient measures for the European residential building stock, mainly

of the period 1960 to 1980, should lead to at least 50% energy savings.

Ambitious and high performance retrofit, carried out in the SQUARE pilot

projects, lead to much more savings, to 80 or 90%. To reach these goals, it is

important to know more about energy improvement measures that have a

great reduction potential and are easy to accomplish. Work package 5

focuses on energy efficient solutions that are basic for the retrofit of residential

buildings and at the same time raise indoor environmental issues. As a result

of the climate variations in the European countries it was decided to find the

best measures for three different European climates to conform with the

requirements in several countries.

4.2 Energy Improvement Measures and their Effect on the Indoor Environment

As a result of different climates amongst European Member States, there is

the availability of different energy efficient solutions. The SQUARE has

categorized the Member States within one of three different climates as

shown in table 2. The table has not bee derived from an engineering

perspective for a quick and brief overview on the various parameters affecting

climate conditions relevant to energy efficient applications.

Table 1 : Characteristics of the three different European climates used for

specifying energy improvement measures of buildings’ retrofit within SQUARE

(suggested by AEE INTEC, verified by SQUARE partners)

Source: SQUARE Internal report on work package 2, additional information of SQUARE partners, delivered 2009

Table 2: Average energy saving potential of residential building stock

Source: SQUARE Internal report on work package 2, additional information of SQUARE

partners, delivered 2009

Figure 1: A graph comparing the energy demand for heating amongst European Member Countries (Square, 2003)

0

50

100

150

200

250

Energy demand for heating [kWh/m²a]

Average energy saving potential of residential building stock

AustriaBulgariaFinlandSpainSweden

Ene

rgy

dem

and

forh

eatin

g [k

Wh/

m²a

]

Source: SQUARE Internal report on work package 2, additional information of SQUARE partners, delivered 2009

4.3 Basic and Active energy improvement measures

Basic energy management opportunities are the ones most popular amongst

the general public. Sometime they are regarded as the 'fool's gold' since they

can not improve the energy efficiency as much as active measures. The basic

measures can optimize the energy efficient of a building with good indoor

environment. Such measures are related with the buildings' constructions and

components. The energy saving opportunities take place as “passive

components” of the building system.

Active energy management opportunities are meant to offer the best

measures for optimizing the energy performance of a building or renew them.

Such projects take place after the buildings were adapted with the best

energy management opportunities at the optimal energy efficiency standards.

When the Active measures are compared on a long term with the Basic

Measures, the former energy saving potentials are more important but

generally lower. In this manner the capital investment required to set up these

measures is substantially higher due to the fact that they have a short

estimated service life. Such examples would include boilers, heat exchangers

or sensors.

4.4 Cost–benefit analysis of energy efficiency in urban low-cost housing

Harald Winkler et. al. (2002) discusses how a cost–benefit analysis study

considered energy-efficiency measures in low-cost housing, primarily

standard 30 m2 Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses.

The three packages of interventions that improve the thermal performance of

the houses (ceilings, roof and wall insulation, windows and partitions) were

found to be economically attractive both from a national and a household

perspective. The net benefits from the whole package for a standard RDP

home is about 10 per cent of the value of the housing subsidy provided by the

government.

In support to this, Harald Winkler et. al. (2002) goes on to describe the major

advance in research on energy policy over the past 20 years is the growing

body of literature showing how saving energy, rather than supplying more of it,

can be the most cost-effective path for development – see, for example,

Reddy & Goldemberg (1990), Lovins & Lovins (1991) and Kats (1992). In

countries such as South Africa, where the gap between access to affordable

energy and the demand for clean energy is very large, energy efficiency has

the potential to accomplish multiple social and economic objectives.

5 Co-operative to improve energy efficiency in low income housing

During the past three decades architecture has transformed the cultural

Maltese habitation to blocks of flats. This has been attributed to the ever

increasing population on the islands and the never ending changing lifestyles.

In the light of the latest regional funds, many inhabitants of such apartments

have been put off from installing solar renewable energy sources due to the

limited roof space allocated to each household. Besides, one would have

second thoughts about sharing one’s own roof.

The limit in roof space and viability of such a system will tend to weaken the

possibility of using a solar water heat via a heat exchange module. This is

being used in the Maltese industry since a heat exchange system can store

more heat in a given space (high thermal density). The supply of domestic

hot water at the George Hotel is supplied using such technologies developed

by Würth. A block of flats should be equipped with such a system before any

sales or renting of apartments. In this manner the use of domestic hot water in

a block of flats can be carried out industrially. In order to avoid any

discrimination and provide the same amount of DHW for all the

residents, water flow meters can be used to monitor the amount of hot water

being used per day. If a resident would exceed the quota then he/she is cut off

the DHW supply for that day.

Such buildings would usually stand highest in altitude amongst other

buildings. This means that it is very unlikely for such a solar system to be

shaded from other buildings or obstructing objects.

Figure 2 A solar water heating set up on a larger scale

After the description of the above application, photovoltaic panels may look

attractive as well. On the other hand it is a well known fact that they incur

higher initial costs with a longer return on investment. Hence it is definitely

more viable to focus upon the implementation of the above described solar

water heater.

6 Malta's Strategy to reach EU2020 objectives

6.1 The Maltese National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and the National Renewable Action Plan (NEEAP)

Country or Region: Malta and Gozo

Year of implementation: November 2008

Implementing bodies: Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs (MRRA) in

collaboration with the Malta Resources Authority (MRA)

Which are the applied criteria for defining a low income household: None

6.1.1 Short description and objectives:

The general objectives of the Maltese National Energy Efficiency Action Plan

are to identify the best cost-effective energy efficient measures that will

generate energy efficiency in a renewable manner and to draft a plan in which

these measures are implemented in line with the following strategy:

Ensure that the public becomes a role model in energy efficiency;

Promote increased awareness and behavioural change by consumers

on an individual level;

Adopt financing tools and economic incentives targeting all sectors,

implemented in full compliance with the applicable State aid rules, that

will stimulate take up of more efficient technologies;

Take advantage of and support efforts – in particular at EU level

To ensure that more efficient energy usage by the consumer;

Use legislation and fiscal instruments judiciously, for example by setting

standards for energy performance in buildings or for providers of

energy services such as auditors or installers;

Carry out research in energy efficient technologies and practices

suitable for adoption in Malta; and create the organisational structures

necessary to support the achievement of these objectives.

6.1.2 Effectiveness - Efficiency indicators:

There are no mentioned real time data monitoring. However, there is a logging

system for equipment retailers regarding the installation of photovoltaic

panels, double glazing and solar water heaters. Such equipment must

conform to MSA EN relations and standards set by the Building Industry

Consultative Council (BICC). Applications could be rejected on grounds of

various natures such as the lack of solar exposure in the proposed location.

6.1.3 Description

The NEEAP is aimed at changing attitudes and influence behaviour in energy

use. It is combined with the advisory services that are provided to the general

public on energy efficiency measures in general, and will take advantage of

existing energy efficiency directives such as the labelling of vehicles and

tyres.

6.2 The Sustainable Energy Action Plans in Malta


Year of implementation:

Implementing bodies: Malta Resources Authority (MRA), Ministry for

Resources and Rural Affairs (MRRA), Planing and Priorities Coordination

Division (PPCD) and various Municipalities

Which are the applied criteria for defining a low income household: Not

applicable.


The Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) is a mandatory adhesion for each

municipality amongst the European Member States with the Covenant of

Mayors. Municipalities are committed to submit their SEAP within the year

following adhesion, this being a key document showing how the local

government will reach its reduction in Carbon Footprint targeted by 2020 by

the European Commission.

It is particularly significant to the perceived leading role of local government in

energy performance that the SEAP is intended to address both the public and

private sectors, especially since the covenant's commitments concern the

whole geographical area of the local government’s jurisdiction. In principle, it

is anticipated that most SEAP's will include actions in the following sectors:

Built environment, including new buildings and major refurbishment;

Municipal infrastructure (district heating, public lighting, smart grids)

Land use and urban planning;

Decentralised renewable energy sources;

Public and private transport policies and urban mobility;

Citizen and, in general, civil society participation;

Intelligent energy behaviour by citizens, consumers and businesses.

SEAP's involve the public in general since those with a high degree of

involvement which are the most likely to continue in the long-term and to

succeed in attaining their goals. The Covenant of Mayors deals with action at

local level within the strict competence of the local governments, which are

expected to take action in several or all of their possible roles:

Consumer and service provider

Planner, developer and regulator

Advisor, motivator and a model

Producer and supplier


Individual action plan and endorsement, from each locality, towards Energy

Sustainability. These include Pembroke, Xghajra, Mgarr and Qrendi.

6.3 Current European, national, regional and local regulation frameworks promoting energy efficiency in existing LIH

6.3.1 The Building Industry Consultative Council (BICC)


Year of implementation: Since 2005

Implementing bodies: Within Malta Resources Authority (MRA), Ministry for

Resources and Rural Affairs (MRRA).


defined at time of writing

6.3.2 Short description, objectives, regulated areas:

BICC is the first governmental authority of its kind in Malta. It embraces a

framework of formal regulation frameworks in the building industry. BICC

regulates and maintains legalisation frameworks within the building industry

and cultural heritage. In a nutshell BICC aims at:

Conservation of Fuel Energy and Natural resources

Energy Efficiency in Building Design

The Energy Intensity of Office/Showroom Buildings

The Energy Performance Building Directive (EPBD):Thermal

Performance of Insulation Samples: Applications for Malta

Construction Site Management

Structural Design & Construction

Building Materials & Services

Built Environment

BICC is paving the way to Energy Performance Certificate in the Maltese

Islands.

7 The European , national, regional and local financial resources (mechanism, program) promoting energy efficiency in low income housing

7.1 Name of policy: A Once-Only Grant on the Purchase of Solar Heating Energy Savers for Domestic Use


Year of implementation: First issued on 17th January, 2006

Implementing bodies: Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure, Planing and

Priorities Coordination Division (PPCD)


mentioned

7.2 Financials

The Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure described in the Government

Gazette issued on 17th January 2006 how the “Eligibility for those solar water

heaters which are installed on domestic premises could qualify for a grant of

25% on the purchase price and subject to a maximum of € 232.94.”

7.3 Short description and objectives:

The Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure described in the Government

Gazette issued on 17th January 2006:

In line with the provisions of paragraph 9 of Government Notice number 203,

SCHEME B – Solar Heating Energy Savers , which was published in the

Government Gazette of the 1st March 2005, the Prime Minister and Minister

of Justice is hereby amending paragraph 5 of such a Government Notice as

follows:

In order to further encourage the use of Solar Heating Energy Savers for

domestic use, the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance is increasing the

grant to 25% of the purchase price of the solar heating energy saver, subject

to a maximum of one hundred Maltese Liri (Lm100). This increase in the grant

applies only to those Solar Heating Energy Savers purchased on the 1st

January 2006, or afterwards.

It is hereby also being notified that the Solar Heating Energy Savers should

be installed strictly as per Malta Environment And Planning Authority (MEPA)

development control guidelines. The Minister responsible for Finance reserves

the right to forfeit the grant if such regulations are not adhered to.


There is a registration scheme for equipment suppliers and equipment must

conform to MSA EN 61215 or MSA EN 61646. Applications may also be

rejected on grounds of, for example, lack of adequate sunlight in the proposed

location.

7.4 Grants on the purchase of roof thermal insulation - 2006 Scheme

“A Once-Only Grant on the Purchase of Photovoltaic Systems for Domestic

Use and on the Purchase of Thermal Roof Insulation Materials for Roofs of

Domestic Residences”


Year of implementation: published on the 17th January 2006

Implementing bodies: Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure , Planing

and Priorities Coordination Division (PPCD)

Which are the applied criteria for defining a low income household:

7.4.1 Eligibility

Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure described in the government

Gazette which as issued on the 17th January 2006 how:





The following materials shall be excluded for the purpose of this grant:

normal cement or sand screed (kontrabejt),

stone chippings used for torba,

structural membranes in concrete steel (such as corrugated steel

sheeting unless the latter is factory bonded to the roof insulation),

natural stone and wood,

bituminous or rubberised roofing membranes and compounds including

paints for UV protection,

agricultural shading nets, tiles of cement, ceramic or natural stone

material,

any shading devices

7.4.2 Area of applicability



This Scheme applies to the expenditure that is incurred once only on the

purchase of a roof thermal insulation material for domestic residences by the

applicant on or after the effective date. The applicant is entitled to only one

grant on the purchase of roof insulation material.

7.4.3 Financials



Roof thermal insulation material applied to domestic premises could qualify for

a grant of 25% on the purchase price and subject to a maximum of € 232.94.




In order to further encourage the use of alternative sources of energy, the

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance has made the following Schemes that

aim to contribute to an increase in the use of photovoltaic systems for

domestic use, and an increase in the use of thermal insulation materials for

roofs of domestic residences.

Area of applicability This Scheme applies to the expenditure that is incurred

once only on the purchase of a photovoltaic system by the applicant on or

after the effective date. The applicant is entitled to only one grant on the

purchase of photovoltaic systems





location.

7.4.6 Validity

Duration of the Scheme This Scheme shall remain in force for a period of one

year from the 1st January, 2006 unless terminated beforehand by a Notice in

the Government Gazette, and shall be renewed for further periods of one year

unless a Notice to the contrary is published in the Gazette

7.5 Grants on the purchase of solar photovoltaic systems - 2006 scheme

A Once-Only Grant on the Purchase of Photovoltaic Systems for Domestic

Use and on the Purchase of Thermal Roof Insulation Materials for Roofs of

Domestic Residence”

Country or Region: Malta

Year of implementation: First of its kind which was issued in 2006

Implementing bodies: Ministry of Finance, Planing and Priorities

Coordination Division (PPCD)


The scheme is not restricted to LIH, and there are therefore no social criteria.


Ministry of Finance described in the government Gazette which as issued on

the 1st January 2006 how:

This Scheme applies to the expenditure that is incurred once only on the

purchase of a photovoltaic system by the applicant on or after the effective

date. The applicant is entitled to only one grant on the purchase of

photovoltaic systems.

7.5.2 Eligibility:



Eligible applicants may apply for a once-only grant of 20% on the purchase

price of a photovoltaic system with a minimum installed size of one kilowatt

peak, plus or minus five per cent (1kWp+/-5%) and this subject to a maximum

grant of five hundred Maltese Liri (Lm500). Applicants are also eligible to an

additional grant of two hundred and fifty Maltese liri (Lm250) for every

additional installed kilowatt peak, plus or minus five per cent (1kWp+/-

5%),subject to a total maximum input power of 3.7 kilowatt peak (3.7kWp).

Fractions of a kilowatt peak installed additionally above the minimum of one

kilowatt peak (1kWp) are treated prorata.




In order to further encourage the use of alternative sources of energy, the

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance has made the following Schemes that

aim to contribute to an increase in the use of photovoltaic systems for

domestic use, and an increase in the use of thermal insulation materials for

roofs of domestic residences.





location.

7.6 Solar Water Heaters ERDF Grant Scheme


Year of implementation: First launched in 17th January, 2006

Implementing bodies: MINISTRY FOR RESOURCES AND

INFRASTRUCTURE, Planing and Priorities Coordination Division (PPCD)


Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs described in the government Gazette

which as issued on the 17th January 2006 how:

The household must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:

Household income must not exceed €23,932 annually

The value of the property must not exceed €120,000

Household qualifies for Energy Benefit

Household in receipt of supplementary allowance in terms of the Social

Security Act

7.6.1 Short description of funding mechanism and objectives:

Eligible for those solar water heaters which were installed on domestic

premises qualified for a grant of 25% on the purchase price and subject to a

maximum of € 232.94.

7.6.2 Description

Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs described in the government Gazette

which as issued on the 17th January 2006 how:

In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of Government Notice

number 203, SCHEME B – Solar Heating Energy Savers , which was

published in the Government Gazette of the 1st March 2005, the Prime

Minister and Minister of Justice is here by amending paragraph 5 of such a

Government Notice as follows.

In order to further encourage the use of Solar Heating Energy Savers for

domestic use, the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance is increasing the

grant to 25% of the purchase price of the solar heating energy saver, subject

to a maximum of one hundred Maltese Liri (Lm100). This increase in the grant

applies only to those Solar Heating Energy Savers purchased on the 1st

January 2006, or afterwards.









location.

7.7 Grant on the Purchase of Household Appliances for Domestic Use Certified as Being Efficient in the Use of Energy


Year of implementation: First launched in 5th December 2006

Implementing bodies: MINISTRY OF FINANCE, MRA, Planing and Priorities

Coordination Division (PPCD)

7.7.1 Which are the applied criteria for defining a low income household


the 5th December 2006 how:

‘household appliance for domestic use’ means any electric mains-operated

household appliance intended for domestic use mentioned in the list further

hereunder (schedule I),which household appliance is purchased from Malta

from a registered seller on or after the effective date, and which appliance is

certified as having a minimum energy efficiency class as stipulated in the

column on the right hand side of the list. With regards to the energy efficiency

class, this must be in conformity with Legal Notice 99 of 2002 as subsequently

amended and entitled - ‘Indication By Labelling And Standard Product

Information Of The Consumption Of Energy And Other Resources By

Household Appliances Regulations’:-

7.7.2 Duration of the scheme


the 5th December 2006 how:

This scheme shall remain in force for a period of one year as from the 1

November 2006 unless modified/terminated before hand by a Notice in the

Gazette, and shall be renewed as deemed necessary by the Minister

responsible for Finance and as shall be thus published in another Notice in

the Gazette.


In order to further encourage the better use of the energy being generated by

the country, the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance has made the

following scheme that aims to encourage the use of household appliances for

domestic use that are certified as being efficient in the use and consumption

of energy.

Table 3: The rebate in Euros for each appliance and its corresponding

category

Appliances Category20% of selling price with a

maximum grant of

Dishwashers A € 58.23

Refrigerators, Freezers

or Combinations

A Tropical € 116.47

A+ Subtropical € 116.47

A Subtropical

(till 31st

March 2007)€ 58.23

Washing Machines A € 58.23

Tumble Dryers A € 58.23

Air Conditioning Units A € 58.23

7.8 A Grant on the Purchase of Systems for Domestic Use that Reduce the Use of Energy, or Use Renewable Sources of Energy


Year of implementation: First launched in 27th January 2009



Division (PPCD).


There is no reference to low income households however the area of

applicability is defined as follows:

This scheme applies to the expenditure that is incurred by an applicant on the

purchase of a system for domestic use made from a registered retailer or who

is provisionally registered and which expenditure is made within four months

of the grant offer letter. Expenditure not used for a system not for use at a

domestic premises used for habitation purposes by an applicant is not eligible

for a grant in terms of this scheme.

7.8.2 Financial Mechanism

The Malta Resources Authority described in the government Gazette which as

issued on the 27th January 2009 how:

Grant payable under this Scheme

The applicable grant is as follows, per applicant per installation:

Photovoltaic systems: 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of €3,000

Solar water heaters: 66% of eligible costs up to a maximum of €460 .

Roof insulation: 33% of eligible costs up to a maximum of €300

Double glazing: 33% of eligible costs up to a maximum of €300 .








domestic premises used for habitation purposes by an applicant is not eligible






the country, the Minister responsible for Resources and Rural Affairs, after

consultation with the Minister of Finance, Economy and Investment has made

the following scheme which aims to encourage the use of systems for

domestic use that reduce the use of energy, or use renewable sources of

energy.





location.

Applications submitted to the Authority for registration as a seller or retailer

shall be accompanied by the documents listed in the application form, and

any other document which the Minister responsible for Resources and Rural

Affairs,after consultation with the Minister of Finance, Economy and

Investment may, from time to time, require

Applications for the registration of systems for the purposes of this Scheme

shall be made by the seller or retailer in the form set out in Schedule V to this

Government Notice and shall contain all the information, details and

documents as required in such form and in terms of this scheme;

7.9 A Scheme to Promote the Domestic Use of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)


Year of implementation: Issued on 11 March 2009



Division (PPCD).

7.9.1 Eligibility


issued on the 11th March 2009 how:

Each household in Malta shall be entitled to a voucher that can be redeemed

for lamps from a seller.

The number of lamps for which a household is entitled to is as follows:

Households with 1 or 2 persons – 5 lamps


Households with 5 persons or more – 10 lamps





Each household in Malta shall be entitled to a voucher that can be redeemed

for lamps from a seller.

The number of lamps for which a household is entitled to is as follows:




Vouchers shall be posted once by ordinary mail to the recipient at the mailing

address at which the recipient receives the electricity bill. Vouchers shall be

posted once the applications for registrations of retailers, wholesalers and

lamps have been processed by the MRA.

The Authority shall not be responsible or liable in any way for the loss of any

voucher while being delivered to the recipient, nor such loss shall give rise to

any right on the part of the recipient to be given a replacement voucher in the

case that a voucher is lost.







location.



Year of implementation: Issued on Tuesday 27th January 2009



Division (PPCD).


Short description of funding mechanism and objectives:



Grant payable under this scheme

Applicants may apply for a grant on the system in the form set out in Schedule

I and as indicated in the guidelines and guidance notes set out in Schedule II.

Applicants who have received a grant for a system or for similar systems in

2008 shall not be eligible for another grant. Applicants shall not be eligible to

more than one grant per technology;

One of the conditions of the grant is that the system shall remain installed and

in use, and shall not be modified in such a way as to degrade its performance

for a minimum period of five years after its installation. It is the responsibility of

the applicant to ensure that this condition is met. Applicants that fail to honour

this condition shall refund the amount of the grant plus interest accrued as

from the day of its granting to the MRA. Should the property be sold and the

system retained by the new owner, the contract of sale shall specify the

transfer of obligations from the applicant to the new owner of the premises.

7.10.2 Financials



The funds available for the scheme are limited. Therefore, the number of

grants available are to be limited as shown in Schedule I. Applications shall

be processed on a first come first served basis until the allocation of funds is

exhausted. The Authority may, at its discretion, also receive applications when

the funds allocated to the scheme have been exhausted. Such receipt shall

not be construed to imply any form of liability, or any form of obligation on the

Authority or the Government to pay any amount of money. Applications that

are submitted prior to the effective date shall be rejected.

Photovoltaic systems: 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of Euro 3,000. A

maximum of 200 families will benefit from this scheme. Solar water heaters:

66% of eligible costs up to a maximum of Euro 460. A maximum of 4,500

families will benefit from the scheme. Roof insulation and double glazing: 33%

of eligible costs up to a maximum of Euro 300. A maximum of 1000 families

(for both roof insulation and double glazing) will benefit from the scheme







location.



Year of implementation: 27th January 2009



Division (PPCD)








domestic premises used for habitation purposes by an applicants not eligible




issued on the 27th January 2009 did not refer to low income housings at no

point in time.









energy

7.11.4 Financials



Photovoltaic systems: 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of Euro

3,000. A maximum of 200 families will benefit from this scheme.

Solar water heaters: 66% of eligible costs up to a maximum of Euro

460. A maximum of 4,500 families will benefit from the scheme.

Roof insulation and double glazing: 33% of eligible costs up to a

maximum of Euro 300. A maximum of 1000 families (for both roof

insulation and double glazing) will benefit from the scheme.




Registration of systems. Applications for the registration of systems for the

purposes of this Scheme shall be made by the seller or retailer in the form set

out in Schedule V to this Government Notice and shall contain all the

information, details and documents as required in such form and in terms of

this scheme.

7.11.6 Registration of systems







Sellers or retailers shall ensure that their registration and the registration of

their products has been accepted by the Authority prior to the submittal of an

application by an applicant. For this purpose, applications may be submitted

by retailers to the Authority as from the 26th January, 2009;

Registrations of products or equipment made by sellers or retailers may be

withdrawn at any time by the Authority, after giving due notice, and reasons, to

the seller or retailer.



Year of implementation: Issued on Tuesday 27th January 2009



Division (PPCD).


The Malta Resources Authority did not referred to low income housing in the

government Gazette which as issued on the 27th January 2009.

7.12.1 Financials

The Malta Resources Authority, in the government Gazette which as issued

on the 27th January 2009 described how,

Photovoltaic systems: 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of Euro

3,000. A maximum of 200 families will benefit from this scheme.

Solar water heaters: 66% of eligible costs up to a maximum of Euro

460. A maximum of 4,500 families will benefit from the scheme.

Roof insulation and double glazing: 33% of eligible costs up to a

maximum of Euro 300. A maximum of 1000 families (for both roof

insulation and double glazing) will benefit from the scheme.




IN order to further encourage the better use of the energy being generated by





energy.







location.



Year of implementation: Issued on Friday 12th February 2010

Implementing bodies: Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs (MRRA),

Malta Resources Authority (MRA), Planing and Priorities Coordination Division

(PPCD).


The Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs did not make any reference to

low income housing in the Government Gazette issued on 12th February

2010.

7.13.2 Financials

The Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs, in the Government Gazette

issued on 12th February 2010 described how:

List of grant percentage and maxima Solar Water Heating systems: 40% of

eligible costs up to a maximum of 560 Euro. A maximum of 2,476 households

shall benefit from this scheme.

7.13.3 Eligibility Applicant



An applicant to be eligible under this scheme must satisfy,as a minimum, one

of the following criteria:

Be entitled to receive the Energy Benefit Voucher. This is to be demonstrated

by presentation of a copy of such energy benefit voucher sent to the address

of the applicant during 2009 or 2010. The address of the applicant must be

the same address where the system is going to be installed and the same

address on the electricity bill. OR

Be in receipt of the Children’s Allowance. This is payable to female citizens of

Malta who have the responsibility of the care of children under 16 years of

age, and where the household income does not exceed Euro 23,923 as

stipulated in the Social Security Act. This is to be demonstrated by

presentation of a copy of such benefit sent to the address of the applicant

during 2009 or 2010. The address of the applicant must be the same address

where the system is going to be installed and must also be the same address

which appears on the electricity bill

Persons receiving a Fixed Children’s Allowance as defined in the Social

Security Act (that is a children’s allowance that is payable to households

irrespective of the annual reckonable income of the household) shall not be

eligible for a grant given under this scheme unless such households qualify

under any other of the criteria for eligibility.

the equipment is to be installed in a premises in Gozo, at the address shown

on the Identity card of the applicant OR

has purchased a premises to be used as a “sole ordinary residence” in terms

of article 32(4)(a) of the Duty on Documents and Transfers Act (Chapter 364

of the Laws of Malta). The value of the property must be of less than Euro

120,000, the purchase of which must have been concluded on or after the 1st

January 2010. This is to be proved by means of a certified true copy of the

deed of transfer or by a notary’s declaration to this effect. The address of the

‘sole ordinary residence’ must be the same as the address where the system

is going to be installed.

Must be a household whose income or joint income is of less than Euro

16,070 as demonstrated by a copy or copies of an FS3 form for 2009 or a

copy of the income tax statement or statements issued by Inland Revenue

Department for 2008. The address of the applicant must be the same address

where the system is going to be installed and the same address on the

electricity bill. OR

be a household in receipt of social assistance under the Social Security Act

(Chapter 318 of the Laws of Malta).

This is to be demonstrated by the presentation of a copy of such assistance

sent to the address of the applicant during 2009 or 2010. The address of the

applicant must be the same address where the system is going to be installed

and the same address on the electricity bill. In addition to any if these criteria,

the applicant must also satisfy the conditions required in the guidelines.

7.13.4 Applicability



This scheme shall apply to the expenditure that is incurred by an applic ant

when purchasing a solar water heater or solar collector for domestic use

registered under the Government Notice entitled ‘Registration of Solar Water

Heaters, Solar Collectors and Photovoltaic Systems’, and which expenditure

is made within four months from the date of issue of the grant offer letter in

terms of the procedure established by this Government Notice. Expenditure

made by an applicant for solar water heating systems not to be used at his

residential premises is ineligible for a grant in terms of this scheme.






location.

7.14 A Grant for the Purchase of Photovoltaic Systems in the Domestic Sector


Year of implementation: Issued on Friday 12th February 2010

7.14.1 Implementing bodies:

Malta Resources Authority (MRA), Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs

(MRRA), Planing and Priorities Coordination Division (PPCD).


List of grant percentage Photovoltaic systems: 50% of eligible costs up to a

maximum of Euro 3,000.

7.14.2 Applicability

The Maltese Resources Authority, in the Government Gazette issued on 12th

February 2010 described how:

This scheme shall apply to the expenditure that is incurred by an applicant

when purchasing a photovoltaic system for domestic use registered under the

Government Notice entitled ‘Registration of Solar Water Heaters, Solar

Collectors and Photovoltaic Systems’, and which expenditure is made within

four months from the date of issue of the grant offer letter in terms of the

procedure established by this Government Notice. Expenditure made by an

applicant for photovoltaic systems not used at his residential premises is not

eligible for a grant in terms of this scheme.

7.15 Eligibility of photovoltaic systems



Applications for the registration of photovoltaic systems for the purposes of

this scheme shall be made in accordance with the Government Notice entitled

‘Registration of Solar Water Heaters, Solar Collectors and Photovoltaic

Systems’.Photovoltaic systems to be purchased by an applicant from

overseas sellers or retailers shall be registered by the applicant in accordance

with the aforementioned Government Notice





the country, the Malta resources Authority has made the following EU funded

scheme which aims to encourage the use of photovoltaic systems for


energy.




Applications for this scheme may be validly received as from 18th January

2010. The scheme shall remain valid till the 31st of December 2010 and shall

cease thereafter to be in force. This scheme may be modified or terminated

before that date by means of a notice in the Gazette. This scheme may be

renewed as may be deemed necessary by the Minister responsible for

Resources and Rural Affairs upon consultation with the Ministry of Finance,

Economy and Investment also by means of a notice in the Gazette





location.

7.15.4 A Scheme to Promote the Domestic Use of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)


Year of implementation: 2009

Implementing bodies: Malta Resources Authority (MRA)


mentioned but the number of lamps entitled by each household was entitled

as follows:





The Maltese Resources Authority, described how:

In order to further encourage the use by households of compact fluorescent

lamps (CFLs), the Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs after consultation

with the Minister of Finance,Economy and Investment has made the following

scheme.

Vouchers shall be posted once by ordinary mail to the recipient at the mailing

address at which the recipient receives the electricity bill. Vouchers shall be

posted once the applications for registrations of retailers, wholesalers and

lamps have been processed by the MRA. The Authority shall not be

responsible or liable in any way for the loss of any voucher while being

delivered to the recipient, nor such loss shall give rise to any right on the part

of the recipient to be given a replacement voucher in the case that a voucher

is lost.


There is a registration scheme for equipment suppliers, installers, importers

and equipment must conform to the corresponding building regulations.

Applications may also be rejected on grounds of, for example, lack of

conformities.

7.16 A Grant for the Purchase of Photovoltaic Systems in the Domestic Sector


Year of implementation: Issued on the 21st of July 2010

Implementing bodies: Malta Resources Authority (MRA),



The Malta Resources Authority, in the Government Gazette issued on the

21st of July 2010 stated that,


the country, the Malta resources Authority has made the following EU funded

scheme which aims to encourage the use of photovoltaic systems for


energy

7.16.2 Eligibility


21st of July 2010 described how,

Applicants who have received a grant for a photovoltaic system in the years

2008 and 2009 shall not be eligible for another grant issued in terms of this

Scheme.



21st of July 2010 stated that,

Applications for this call under the scheme may be validly received as from

the 28th july 2010 to the 10th August 2010, at 1.00 p.m. this scheme may be

modified or terminated before that date by means of a notice in the Gazette.

This scheme may be renewed as may be deemed necessary by the Malta

resources Authority also by means of a notice in the Gazette.

7.16.4 Financials

Photovoltaic systems: 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of Euro 3,000.


A. Online database of good practices of energy retrofitting projects in LIH in

the Med area, specific objectives and indicators concerning the LIH according

to the national policy.

The only database of online database of good practice can be found within

MIEMA's website. This work was carried out within an Intelligent Energy

Europe: www.miema.org

8 Ongoing or completed LIH energy retrofitting projects in your Malta

Project name: Birkirkara tal-Ftieh Pilot Study. This pilot included both

measures taken during the construction phase as well as others which could

be retrofitted.

Country/ Region: Malta, Birkirkara

Period of implementation: October 2006 until September 2007

Implementing body: Institute for Sustainable Energy, University of Malta,

Malta Housing Authority, Department of Architecture and Urban Design,

Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Malta.

Budget: €77,000 in total, €5,000 per apartment

Funding sources: National

Which are the applied criteria for defining a low-income household: Not

referred to within this study.

Number of dwellings included: one block of 10 apartments

8.1.1 Short description of project, actions – technical solutions included:

double-glazed apertures,

louvred apertures

roof insulation and coating with white reflective paint

expanded polystyrene insulation of south-facing walls

increased height of upper floor

forced ventilation of staircase

solar water heaters

PV system

sun pipes to basement garages.

Objectives: to assess the effectiveness of energy-saving measures in social

housing, to provide a model for future development

8.1.2 Assessment of results

Quantitative estimates were made of likely energy savings based on on-site

observations and monitoring of similar buildings. There was no actual

assessment of results.

8.1.3 Barriers encountered during implementation

Typology of LIH building stock in the partner territories and in the Med area,

statistical elements. The aim of this section is to form a first profile of the LIH

building stock in partners’ territories

Who provides low-income housing in your country / region (private and / or public agencies), through which procedures:

The Housing Authority is responsible for all matters related to LIH in Malta.

Are there LIH dwellings constructed without a building permit? No

Which are the basic ownership statuses found in LIH in your country / region: Ownership and rental

Describe the most common building typologies of LIH found in your country / region (e.g. houses with up to two dwellings, high rise buildings etc): blocks of apartments 2-6 storeys

Which are the most common construction techniques/ materials found in LIH in your country / region: limestone and concrete blocks

When was the first thermal insulation implemented in your country / region: n/a

How many times has it been reviewed since then and when: n/a

When was the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) implemented in your country: in 2002

Besides the EPBD are there other requirements for the energy efficiency of residential buildings in your country / region? Please describe: no

Which are the most common cooling systems/ fuels used in LIH in your country/ region: electric air conditioning (HVAC)

Which are the most common heating systems/ fuels used in LIH in your country/ region: electric air conditioning, portable heaters fuelled by

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (butane & propane cylindrical containers)

8.1.4 List some of the common technical or institutional issues impeding the application of EE measures in LIH in your country / region

Technical – lack of adequate roof area for solar water heaters

Institutional – lack of enforcement of building regulations, lack of public

awareness and culture, lack of public knowledge of cost-effectiveness and

savings, lack of publicity of energy performance rating of buildings.

Relatively long payback – the feed in tariff has been raised to 25c for the

Malta installations and 28c for Gozo yet significantly low.





location.

8.2 2011 Support Schemes - Photovoltaic Systems PV - Photovoltaic panels

Governing Body: Malta Resources Authority

Published on Tuesday, 5th July, 201The Malta Government Gazette

ObjectivesThe Malta resources Authority has described that in order to further encourage the better use of the energy being generated by the country, the Malta Resources Authority is administering the following European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funded scheme which aims to encourage the use of photovoltaic systems for residential use that reduce the use of energy, or use renewable sources of energy.

1. Grant payable under this scheme Applicants may apply for a grant under this scheme for a system by means of the form downloadable from the MRA’s website (www.mra.org.mt). The scheme is administered and governed by the guidelines also downloadable from the website.

2. Duration of the scheme Applications for this call may be validly received as from Monday, 25th July, 2011 till noon of Wednesday, 3rd August, 2011. The scheme may be modified or terminated before that date by means of a notice in the Government Gazette. This scheme may be renewed as may be deemed necessary by the Malta Resources Authority also by means of a notice in the Gazette

8.2.1 List of grant percentage

PV systems: 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of Euro 3000.

8.2.2 Steps in Applying for the PV Grant Scheme

Step 1 It is important for the Applicant to read all sections of these guidelines and the conditions attached to this scheme, in detail.

Step 2 It is recommended that Applicants assess the electricity demand of the household, and determine the appropriate type and size of the system required. Lack of adequate sun exposure of the PV panels will disqualify an installation.

Step 3 It is the Applicant’s responsibility to ensure compliance with MEPA guidelines and the relevant planning permission on the installation of renewable energy equipment 1 (where applicable). In case of doubt, it is advisable that an architect is consulted.

Step 4 Fill in Part A of the grant scheme application form, and submit to the

Malta Resources Authority together with the required documentation by mail or personally by hand at MRA offices/ Gozo office. Note that at this stage, the application is not yet assessed much less approved. Part A of the application must be approved by the Malta Resources Authority and a grant offer letter sent to the Applicant before equipment is purchased and installed. The Applicant should note that if it transpires that a permit is required and has not been sought, the grant offer may be withdrawn, and/or recovered (if already paid by MRA). MRA officials or its agents may inspect the site of installation.

Step 5 In case of acceptance If the scheme criteria are met and the application is successful the Applicant will receive a grant offer letter; At this stage the Applicant may purchase and install the system. Details of successful applications may be published on the website.. The Applicant should fill in the MRA notification form for photovoltaics and feed-in tariff application and submit it to the MRA. In case of rejection A letter of rejection will be sent to non-compliant Applicants. The reason for rejection will be indicated on the letter. Any requests for review from rejected Applicants will be assessed by a Review Committee specifically appointed to hear objections from decisions made under this scheme. Applicants will be informed of the Review Committee decision.

Step 6 When the installation of the PV system has been completed, the Applicant should fill in Part B (request for reimbursement) including all required documentation. Part B must

reach the MRA within the date indicated on the grant offer letter.

Step 7 Following the receipt of Part B from the Applicant, the Malta Resources Authority will assess the request for reimbursement and the details of the installed system against information provided in the original pre-purchase application (part A of the application).

Step 8 Payments of grant schemes will be processed after receipt of a fully and correctly completed Part B request for reimbursement including all required attachments. The grant will be paid to the Applicant by bank transfer. The MRA will use the bank details provided by the Applicant. The Applicant is responsible to ensure that the details of the bank account are correct.


This Scheme applies to the eligible expenditure that is incurred on the purchase of an eligible technology purchased by an eligible Applicant and installed and fully operational in Malta, for which an application has been made on an effective date and which application was approved (by MRA). Grants will not be payable in respect of technologies installed in caravans, boats, boathouses or parts of buildings not for residential use.

8.2.4 Eligible Applicant

This particular scheme is open only to private individuals for use on their residential properties, and for organisations that do not fall within the concept of ‘undertaking’ i.e. an undertaking carrying out an economic activity from their residential premises. For undertakings, state aid rules apply and these are subject to a separate scheme. Undertakings include landowners. Government entities and not-for-profit organizations 2 may apply directly for EU funds when calls are issued by the Planning and Priorities Coordination Department (PPCD).

8.2.4.1 To be eligible, an Applicant must:

have obtained planning permission (where required) for the installation; be the freehold owner of the property OR the owner of a long leasehold

interest in the property (i.e. a leasehold term with more than 5 years remaining) with all necessary consents from the owner of the property. If the applicant is a joint owner of the property, the applicant is entitled to apply for a grant on behalf of the other joint owners provided they have agreed to the applicant doing so and will comply as necessary with all of these terms and conditions. The property must be used principally by the applicant or his/her family for his/her own private residential purposes. The applicant is not entitled to receive a grant if the property is used principally for business purposes, including the letting of the

property on a commercial basis (even if the tenants' use of the property will be residential). In particular, an applicant is not eligible to apply if any part of the property is used as a shop or offices (or similar) open to the public;

not obtain other grants or subsidies for this system or the same technology from any other schemes that include national or public funds such as Government of Malta funds or EU funds. This applies equally to the Applicant or any member of the same household;

not be applying on behalf of an undertaking and not be a landlord of the property where the system is installed;

provide the MRA with a bank account to enable transfer of the grant amount directly to the applicant’s account;

allow relevant organisations involved in the implementation and control of this scheme including: MRA, representatives from the Managing Authority and (local and EU) Auditors to inspect the photovoltaic installation within the Applicant’s residence after due notice is given by MRA;

accept that the Applicant’s data together with the eligible grant amount may appear on public documents or published on the MRA website; connect the photovoltaic installation to the Enemalta grid and undertake proper and continued operation as well as maintenance of the same equipment; and - not make any arrangements with independent or governmental organisations (or groups, associations, etc.) for offers, financial or in kind, including any good or service such as gifts, white goods, other goods/ appliances, equipment, services, vouchers, group discounts or subsidies, etc.

The Applicant shall present a valid electricity bill, issued in his/her name for the

premises where the technology is to be installed, where the electricity tariffs paid are denoted as residential. Other members of the same household may not apply for a grant for the same technology (i.e. photovoltaic panels).

Households that have already benefited from, or have an open grant offer under, a similar PV system scheme are not eligible to apply for a grant. Lack of adequate sun exposure of the PV panels may disqualify an installation since the PV would not be generating electricity. The Authority reserves the right to refuse the grant and, or take legal action to recover the amount granted with interests and any other costs incurred, in case of:

incorrect information being stated by the Applicant in the application; or any condition of the scheme not being met; or the grant having been already given; or other reasons where the 'bona fide' intention of the Applicant is manifestly

missing

8.2.5 Eligible expenditure The equipment must be fully owned and paid in full by the Applicant and cannot be encumbered or subject to any legal claims by third parties. The total expenditure to be reported in the quotation should include all costs required to have a fully operational system.

The expenditure to be claimed must be in respect of the purchase price as shown on the original fiscal receipt in terms of Article 51 of the VAT Act. This final price must correspond to the real expense incurred for such purchase and must reflect any discounts, credit notes, gifts or any other form of payment or advantage, present or future in favour of the Applicant over and above the real purchase price of the equipment.

8.2.5.1 The eligible expenditure is the sum of costs (including VAT) of:

1. Photovoltaic generation equipment; 2. Inverter: Inverters must be rated for the size of total kWp of photovoltaic modules installed. Oversized or undersized inverters will not be considered eligible costs. For this reason the full costs of inverters where the inverter nominal ac power at standard testing conditions (STC) is not between 0.8 and 1.2 times the array nominal power shall not be eligible for the grant; and 3. Support frame; less: the value of discounts or offers, financial or in kind relating to this equipment or system.

8.2.5.2 The ineligible expenditure includes costs (including VAT) of:

1. any extended warranty beyond the standard warranty that installers are required to provide free of charge; 2. any other materials, works or other costs such as, but not limited to, any cost of wiring, reinforcement and installation;

3. permits or certification; 4. inverter if the inverter nominal ac power at standard testing conditions (STC) is not be (STC) is not between 0.8 and 1.2 times the array nominal power; and 5. for overseas purchases, the duty charges for local importation. The price is to be shown on the receipt/s.

Note: the value of discounts or offers relating to this equipment or system should be deducted from the eligible expenditure. Applicants are to note that MRA has the right to reject applications in cases where both eligible and non-eligible expenditure do not reflect current market prices. Furthermore, eligible expenditure shall be capped at €4053 /kWp.

8.2.6 Eligible Technology - Grants under this call are only available in relation to the following types of microgeneration technology

New solar photovoltaic complete system, grid connected, with an installed capacity of more than 0.5kW;

The chosen technology model and manufacturer must be registered with the MRA in accordance with Government Notice 52 of 2010. The registered list of manufacturers and models is accessible on www.mra.org.mt

The product manufacturer is the company that makes the product. The model is the version of the product that has been selected for use. It is the responsibility of the Applicant to ensure that approved products are used. All photovoltaic installations must be grid connected and remain so for at least 5 years after commissioning. Prospective Applicants who intend to import systems directly are also urged to pre-register their systems themselves PRIOR to making any commitments. The installed system must be compliant with applicable legislation and technical codes such as the Network Code. These may be found on the Enemalta site: www.enemalta.com.mt.

8.3 2011 Support Schemes - solar water heaters


Year of implementation: Issued in 2011


Resources and Rural Affairs (MRRA), Planning and Priorities Coordination

Division (PPCD).

8.3.1 Financials

The expenditure to be reported is in respect of the purchase price of the

system as shown on the original fiscal receipt. Local Payments to the seller

should be effected by the bank transfer or else by cheque

1. Only the fiscal receipt is to be submitted in such cases. In the case of

overseas purchases an original bank transfer advice must be presented.

Foreign payments would have to be effected by bank transfer and the

respective proof of payment would have to be the official bank document

endorsed by the bank2 (stamped and signed). If any other means (electronic

payment) is used, the respective receipt and/or print-out must be endorsed

and confirmed by the bank from where funds have been paid out.

8.3.2 Eligible costs

- For solar hot water systems: Costs of solar hot water panels and storage

tanks, plus their fixing to the roof or ground, including VAT, but excluding (i)

the cost of any extended warranty beyond the standard warranty that

installers are required to provide free of charge; (ii) the cost of any other

materials, works or other costs such as, but not limited to, any cost of

plumbing at property; and (iii) costs of permits or certification.

- For solar collectors: Costs of solar hot water panel plus their fixing to the roof

or ground, including VAT, but excluding (i) the cost of any extended warranty

beyond the standard warranty that installers are required to provide free of

charge; (ii) the cost of any other materials, works or other costs such as, but

not limited to, any cost of plumbing at property; and (iii) costs of permits or

certification.

8.3.3 Steps in Applying for the Solar Water Heating System Grant Scheme

Step 1 Read the guidelines on how to apply under the Solar Water Heating

Grant Scheme.

Step 2 Contact eligible suppliers of the systems to help assess heat demands,

conduct a review of energy use and determine the appropriate type and size

of system required. It is recommended that the applicant should contact more

than one potential supplier.

Step 3 Ensure that you have obtained planning permission for your

installation (where applicable).

Step 4 Fill in Part A of the grant scheme application form in conjunction with

the supplier, and submit to the Malta Resources Authority together with the

required documentation. Note that at this stage, the application is not yet

assessed much less approved and no grant offer has been made in your

case. Part A of the application must be approved by the Malta Resources

Authority before equipment is purchased and installed.

Step 5 If the scheme criteria are met and the application is successful you will

receive a grant offer letter and you may subsequently purchase and install the

system. Successful applications may be published on the website.

Step 6 When the installation of the Solar Water Heating System or Solar

Collector has been completed, fill in the MRA notification form and submit it to

the MRA, together with Part B of the grant scheme application form including

all required documentation. Grant scheme completion forms must reach the

MRA within the date indicated on the grant offer letter.

Step 7 The Malta Resources Authority will assess the grant scheme

application and the details of the installed system against information provided

in the original pre-purchase application (part A of the application).

Step 8 Payments of grant schemes will be processed after receipt of a fully

and correctly completed Part B grant scheme application including all required

attachments. The grant will be paid to the applicant through a bank transfer

issued by the Malta Resources Authority.


This Scheme applies to the expenditure that is incurred on the purchase of a

solar water heating system or solar collector purchased in Malta for domestic

use, installed and fully functional in Malta, for which an application has been

made for the duration of the Grant Scheme. Grants will not be payable in

respect of technologies installed in caravans, boats or boathouses.

8.3.5 Eligible Applicant

To be eligible, an applicant must:

have obtained planning permission (where required) for the installation.

The building should also be covered by a planning permit;

be the freehold owner of the property OR the owner of a long leasehold

interest in the property (i.e. a leasehold term with more than 5 years

remaining) with all necessary consents from the owner of the property.

If the applicant is a joint owner of the property, the applicant is entitled

to apply for a grant on behalf of the other joint owners provided they

have agreed to the applicant doing so and will comply as necessary

with all of these terms and conditions. The property must be used

principally by the applicant or his/her family for his/her own private

residential purposes. The applicant is not entitled to receive a grant if

the property is used principally for business purposes, including the

letting of the property on a commercial basis (even if the tenants' use of

the property will be residential). In particular, an applicant is not eligible

to apply if any part of the property is used as a shop or offices (or

similar) open to the public;

not obtain any other grants or subsidies for this system from any other

schemes that include national or public funds such as Government of

Malta funds or EU funds.

not be applying on behalf of an undertaking and not be a landlord of

the property where the system is installed;

provide the MRA with a bank account to enable transfer of the grant

amount directly to the applicant’s account;

allow MRA Auditors to perform on site inspection of the equipment

installed and facilitate such inspections;

accept that the applicant’s name together with the eligible grant amount

may appear on public documents.

Households that have already benefited from, or have an open grant offer

under, a similar Solar Water Heater scheme are not eligible to apply for a

grant. Other members of the same household may not apply for a grant on the

same technology (i.e. solar water heaters or solar collectors). Lack of

adequate sun exposure of the solar water heating system or solar collector

may disqualify an installation. The Authority reserves the right to refuse the

grant and take legal action to recover the amount granted with interests and

any other costs incurred, in case of:

incorrect information being stated by the applicant in this application;

some conditions of the scheme not being met; or

the grant having been already given.

other reasons where the 'bona fide' intention of the applicant is

manifestly missing

8.3.6 Eligible Technology

The chosen technology model and manufacturer must be registered with the

MRA. The registered list of manufacturers and models will be accessible on

www.mra.org.mt The product manufacturer is the company that makes the

product. The model is the version of the product that has been selected for

use. It is your responsibility to ensure that approved products are used

8.3.7 Duration of the Scheme

This Scheme shall remain in force until the termination date unless

modified/terminated beforehand by means of a Notice in the Government

Gazette, and may be renewed as deemed necessary. Applications relating to

purchases on, or before the termination date shall continue to be accepted, till

the expiry of the grant offer period.

8.3.8 Compliance with legislation

You must ensure that the installation (and the building where this installation is

sited) complies with a valid development permit, or is permitted development

under the Development Notification Order.

You must ensure that in carrying out any activities in connection with the

installation and use of the technology you and anyone acting on your behalf

complies with all applicable laws and regulations. The installed system must

be compliant with applicable regulation and technical codes. This grant is

subject to Maltese legislation. The grant is also made to the applicant

http://www.mra.org.mt/

personally. The grant does not confer any rights. The MRA will not lose any

right that it has under these terms and conditions if it does not exercise that

right or delays in exercising it.

8.3.9 Development Notification Order

You must ensure that in carrying out any activities in connection with the

installation and use of the technology you and anyone acting on your behalf

complies with all applicable laws and regulations. The installed system must

be compliant with applicable regulation and technical codes. This grant is

subject to Maltese legislation. The grant is also made to the applicant

personally. The grant does not confer any rights. The MRA will not lose any

right that it has under these terms and conditions if it does not exercise that

right or delays in exercising it.

Technical Details of the installation: We require an indication of whether the

system to be installed is certified for the complete system or certified for the

collector only Water storage capacity and collector size: The capacity of the

tank is required to ensure that the amount of hot water is commensurate with

the collector size for solar water heaters.

Evacuated tube or flat plate: We need to know the type of technology the

applicant will be purchasing. This information will be on the technical

specifications of the equipment.

8.3.10 Equipment Model and Manufacturer:

The equipment model and manufacturer will define characteristics of your

preferred technology. The model numbers may be found from the

manufacturer’s technical documentation. The manufacturer is the company

that designed and built the technology you intend to purchase.

Quoted Price: This refers to the eligible cost to be paid for your technology,

and must be equal to or less than the price stated on the fiscal receipt after

you purchase the equipment. The total price on the fiscal receipt may include

ineligible costs.

8.3.10.1 Completion Certificate for Solar Water Heaters

Details of the system installed have to be verified by the installer. Installer is

required to sign a declaration that the system is functional and has been

installed to the highest technical standards. Requirements for original invoices

and original receipts may be found on MRA's website.

8.4 Effectiveness - Efficiency indicators:






location.

Solar water heaters: 40% of eligible costs up to a maximum of €560

9 Registration of Solar Water Heaters, Solar Collectors and Photovoltaic Systems


Year of implementation: Issued in the government gazette on the 15th

January 2010


Resources and Rural Affairs (MRRA), Planning and Priorities Coordination

Division (PPCD)

9.1.1 Part I - Application for registration as a participating retailer (seller)

This application form must be completed by the retailer and sent to MR

9.2 Part II Application for registration of technology

9.2.1 Solar water heating system

Water storage capacity in cubic meters, collector size in square meters

One application form must be filled in per model registered, equipment

model, Evacuated tubes or flat plane, equipment model, equipment

manufacturer, Showroom price.

Documents to accompany application form:

True certified copy of third party certificate

Copy of scheme standard guarantee form to be issued by retailer with

each product sold

9.2.2 Retailer’s Declaration

The retailer has to agree to abide to all terms and conditions of the scheme.

The information provided in this form is accurate and true to the best of my

knowledge. Moreover he has to understand that any attempt to misrepresent

information in this application will invalidate this application and disqualify me

from participating in all future rebates.

9.2.3 Notes:

Data Protection: Personal information provided on this form is

protected and used in accordance with the Data Protection Act. The

information shown on this application form will be used and shared

by/with the Malta Resources Authority and its agents, the Ministry for

Finance, the VAT department and other Government entities and EU

bodies involved in administering and supervising the scheme. The MRA

may also use this information to demonstrate market transformation

trends.

In cases were the supplier does not conform to any provisions set out

in the scheme, the supplier/installer shall be obliged to either change

the equipment to bring the installations within the provisions of the

scheme or pay the grant to the end consumer. This does not exclude

the possibility that the end consumer may take legal action against the

retailer to provide him with equipment as originally requested.

You are advised to send your application by mail to: Malta Resources

Authority, Millennia, Aldo Moro Road, Marsa, MRS9065

Further information can be found on the MRA website:

www.mra.org.mt. This application form may also be revised

periodically. Please check the website to ensure that you have the

latest version.

MRA may ask for further documentation if third party’s report requires

further verification.

9.3 Solar collector system:

Collector size in square meters, whether evacuated tube of flat plane,

Equipment model, equipment manufacturer, Showroom price,

Documents accompanying application form:

True certified copy of third party certificate(See notes below)


each product sold

9.3.1 Retailer’s declaration

I agree to abide to all terms and conditions of the scheme. The information

provided in this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. I

understand that any attempt to misrepresent information in this application will

invalidate this application and disqualify me from participating in all future

rebates. I confirm that evacuated tube collectors certified to EN 12975 will be

connected to a manifold and that the evacuated tubes will not be connected

directly into the storage tank.

9.3.2 Notes:

1. Personal information provided by the seller will be protected and used in

accordance with the Data Protection Act. Without prejudice to any Act, the

volume of sales shall be considered to be commercially sensitive data and will

only be published in such a manner that individual sellers cannot be identified.

All information may be shared by/with the Malta Resources Authority, the

Ministry for Finance and the VAT department. All information other than

personal or commercially sensitive information may be published.

2. Sellers may be suspended or withdrawn from the scheme after notification

in writing from the Malta Resources Authority.

3. Audits may be carried out by the Malta Resources Authority or its agents.

Participation in the scheme implies that the seller is agreeing to such auditing.

Send this form, together with all supporting documentation to Malta

Resources Authority, Millennia, Aldo Moro Road, Marsa. Applications by email

to [email protected] will be accepted provided that receipt of email is

acknowledged by the Authority, that all the information required is submitted in

a clearly and easily identifiable and retrievable format, and that all the

technical documentation is submitted separately

9.3.3 Retailers' details:

Company or concerns' name, address, vat registration number, e-mail

address, Exemption number (where a computerized or electronic system or a

point of sale system is used)

Engineer’s details for PV systems

Name, surname, address, warrant number,

Installer’s details

Name, surname, address, Electrical License A & B

9.3.4 Registration of systems













the seller or retailer.

9.4 Registration of Photovoltaic Systems – the second pasrt of the aapplication form


issued on the 27th January 2009 how the application for registration of

technology for PV systems:

Number of modules, Modules' model, Module Manufacturer, Electrical output

power in kilowatt peak, Electrical output power 5year guarantee in kilowatt

hours(kWh), Showroom Price/kWp,

9.4.1 Documents to accompany application form:

True certified copy of third party certificate


each product sold

9.4.2 Inverter details

Inverter manufacturer

Inverter model

Inverter rating

9.4.3 Retailer’s Declaration

I agree to abide to all terms and conditions of the scheme. The information

provided in this form is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. I

understand that any attempt to misrepresent information in this application will

invalidate this application and disqualify me from participating in all future

rebates.

9.5 Registration of Solar Water Heaters, Solar Collectors and Photovoltaic Systems – Application form Part II













the seller or retailer

10Conclusions

The cyclic energy crisis and environmental concerns, foremost of which global

warming, have resulted in a movement towards alternative resources and

utilization of energy. Solar energy is a very attractive solution in Malta,

however the high cost of PV panels and storage systems, and the inefficient

conversion from solar to electricity and then to light or heat energy means that

more cost effective energy saving systems are required.

The energy classification of retro fitting applications is the key to a systematic

approach for decision making in energy management and an effective tool in

defining and taking on an energy management programme.

An energy survey will be circulated amongst those households which receive

energy vouchers in Malta and Gozo. The aim of this activity is to

simultaneously gather information about the energy performance of low

income households while highlighting and proposing various ways by which

the energy performance can be improved. The compilation of data assessed

the ecological and financial viability of each of the proposed systems. This

idea will be of utmost importance in sustainable living as in eco-villages, which

avoids energy storage and conversion.

11 References

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