Albania has launched the first phase of subsidizing solar water heating panels for 2,000 low-income families to reduce electricity costs.
In the country, 20% of energy consumption in households accounts for its heating, it is reported EURACTIV.
It will also contribute to the fight against climate change.
The paper noted that with energy costs rising and the government only able to subsidize rates, pressure is mounting to reduce consumption.
Albania's Ministry of Energy will cover 70% of the costs for 2,000 families to equip their homes with solar thermal connectors. These systems use solar energy to heat water and then store it in insulated tanks.
“In the first stage of the process, companies are invited to apply to become government-approved suppliers under the scheme. This means that they will be required to provide and install 200-liter water tanks with high rust resistance and a 5-7 year warranty," the material said.
However, the cost of the system should not exceed €1,200, meaning the maximum price for families would be €360. Based on an average electricity bill of €40 per month, families will recoup their investment in savings in three years.
The article noted that the increase in global electricity prices has not yet affected Albanians, as the state-owned energy company OSHEE and the government have spent more than €300 million on subsidies. The country gets most of its energy from hydroelectric power, but due to droughts, poor governance and an inability to store energy, it also relies on importing fossil fuels from abroad.
Earlier, EcoPolitic wrote, that Finland established the world's first sand battery, which can accumulate green energy and use it after a few months to heat houses.
As EcoPolitic previously reported, a 45-meter-long one is being built in Germany near Berlin tower for storing 56 million liters of hot water.
