Applications now open to join 'Magey Solar' initiative

Applications are now being accepted to join the 'Magey Solar' [My Solar] project, under which solar panels will be placed on roofs of residences.

In an announcement, the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy said that this project has been commenced to resolve the high amounts residents have to pay for electricity services, and to make use of renewable energy sources available in the country. This will also contribute towards achieving the government's goal to generate 33 percent of energy in the country through renewable resources.

The 'Magey Solar' project implementation will be as follows;

- Only residences will be provided the solar PV system

- The residences will be selected in order of application once the application window is opened

- Applications can be submitted through the Fenaka Corporation website

- Residences where solar PV systems can be placed, and the size of the systems, will be determined through net metering policy after surveying the residences

- No advance payment will be taken for the solar PV systems provided under this initiative. However, 10 percent of the system's value will be charged as an installation fee. This has to be paid when the contract is signed.

Under this program, a set number of solar PV systems will be provided to all atolls except Alif Alif and Alif Dhaalu.

The highest number of systems, 88 solar PV systems, will be provided to Addu. Across the atolls, a total of 748 solar PV systems will be provided.

Under the program, single phase and three phase systems of 3 and 5 kilowatts will be provided. The price of a 3 kW system is MVR 45,000, while 5 kW systems cost MVR 75,000.

The systems can be paid for in full, or in installments divided over a period of five years. If the installment option is chosen, then the monthly due will be included in that month's electricity bill.

Maintenance and repair of the systems will be the responsibility of the applicant, the ministry said.