Household interest in solar power continues in Czechia, subsidy applications nearly double

Interest in renewable energy in Czechia continues to grow, as reflected in the number of subsidy applications. The number of applications for subsidies for solar power systems rose to almost twice the year-earlier level in the first three months of this year, while applications for heat pumps also increased by tens of percent. Nearly 47.000 applications have been submitted so far. This is according to data from the Chamber of Renewable Energy Sources provided to the Czech News Agency (ČTK).

By far the greatest demand at government offices is for subsidies to install solar power systems. Applicants submitted 41.089 applications in the first quarter, almost double the number in the same period last year. Owners of family houses continue to submit the most applications, but interest among apartment building owners has also nearly tripled, with 398 applications submitted.

In the case of heat pumps, authorities registered 4946 subsidy applications during the first quarter. This is almost 14 percent more year on year. Demand among apartment buildings is also rising compared with last year, with 109 such applications submitted so far. According to the chamber, rising housing prices and the resulting slowdown in construction are curbing greater interest in installing heat pumps. Increased demand for gas boilers is also having an impact.

By contrast, quarterly statistics show a slight decline in interest in solar thermal collectors. Applications fell by around 13 percent year on year to 665. According to the chamber, one of the main reasons is a change to the subsidy programme rules, which no longer allow applications for support for both photovoltaics and solar thermal systems at the same time.

Households can also apply for subsidies to install stoves. Authorities received 38 such applications in the first three months. No subsidies for stoves were available at the beginning of last year.

Statistics on installations last year also confirm the ongoing renewable energy boom in Czechia, particularly in solar power. A record 82.799 new solar power systems were commissioned in the Czech Republic over the whole of 2023, 49.039 more than a year earlier. Installed capacity also rose significantly, by 970 megawatts.

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