Changes in building heights discourage solar panel purchase

Uncertainties created by the change in permissible building heights have discouraged people from investing in solar water heaters (SWH) and photovoltaic energy (PV), a National Renewable Action plan reveals.

The plan was submitted by George Pullicino’s resources ministry to the European Commission on 24 May.

“Changes in building height limitations made in recent years have created a degree of uncertainty,” the report states.

Since the installation of SWH and PVs have long pay-back periods, the general public is not feeing confident to invest in such technologies when faced with uncertainties on changes that may result in building heights of adjacent properties, which could cast a shade on solar appliances.

The relaxation of building heights, approved by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority when it fell under the responsibility of former environment minister George Pullicino, paved the way for penthouses on three-storey apartment in 2005.

But now Pullicino’s resources ministry is blaming past planning decisions for the limited potential of solar energy on Maltese roofs. MEPA had already announced that it was revising its policy on penthouses following a report by the Malta Resources Authority blaming the 2005 policy for the lack of access to rooftops. But no final decision has been taken yet on this issue.

The latest report states that since in most cases a penthouse, which uses most of the roof as a terrace, is occupying the top apartment, the only person able to use solar thermal applications is the owner of the air space above the penthouse.  

The report also cites other factors limiting the use of SWH and PVs including “contractual arrangements” which do not permit tenants of the same apartment block to have access to roof space.

Although 79% of the Maltese are aware of the benefits that the installation of solar panels bring to their households, 35% think they are much more expensive than they really are.

This incorrect knowledge results in a general perception that the payback period is longer than it actually is, discouraging the general public from investing in these applications.

According to a domestic solar water heating survey conducted in 2010 by the resources ministry and the Institute for Sustainable Energy, 81% of respondents said roof space is mostly used for leisure activities and hanging clothes. Only 28.5% find the use of roofs for the installation of solar panels in competition with its use for leisure and clothes hanging applications.  

One positive aspect is that roof areas also exploit the natural potential of wind and solar energy as an energy-efficient method for drying washed laundry – otherwise requiring a high amount of energy for electric dryers. 

One option being considered by the government is the introduction of minimum levels of renewable energy for stand alone/detached buildings, by imposing a percentage area of roof space for renewable energy sources. “Studies on these issues are being contemplated,” the report says.

Other energy plans

Malta’s hopes in reaching the 10% renewable energy target by 2020 hinges on onshore and offshore wind and waste to energy projects, which will contribute 70% of the national target.

The government is still conducting studies to evaluate the “technical, financial and environmental viability” of these projects and an expression of interest and tender will be issued following the completion of the studies.

Most energy produced in waste recycling plants will be used for the operation of the same plants. But the plan reveals that in one particular case there are plans to use thermal energy from the Sant Antnin plant in Marsaskala to heat a public pool.

As regards biofuels the government intends to introduce a “substitution obligation” through which importers and wholesalers of petrol will have to include an amount of biofuel content in any petroleum product sold. This minimum percentage of biofuel will be ensured either by blending the biofuel with petrol or by ensuring that the same percentage of pure biofuel is put on the market.

The report acknowledges that fiscal incentives for biofuels have been unsuccessful in promoting its use. “Unfortunately notwithstanding this fiscal incentive, which in 2007 was estimated to have cost €672,000 in foregone revenue from excise duty, there is currently little or no significant price difference for the end consumer.”

The report excludes the cultivation if crops for the production of biofuels due to the limited amount of freshwater resources and scarce arable land.