Sweden to Boost Spending on Solar Energy

Due to the high popularity of shifting to solar power there is a long waiting list of the people who want installation of solar panels with the support of the state.

In the spring 2018 budget the Sweden government wants to boost the scheme supporting installation of solar energy by pumping in 16 million Euros into the area.

Due to the high popularity of shifting to solar power there is a long waiting list of the people who want installation of solar panels with the support of the state.

With the additional 16 million Euros by the government the total amount allocated for the solar conversion industry in 2018 would touch around 100 million euros.

The proposal for boosting the area has been put forward by coalition partners the Social Democrats and Green Party and parliamentary ally the Left Party.

The money will in part provide funds to regional authorities to reduce processing times for applications for solar power installations, which are currently up to two years in some areas.

Minister for Financial Markets Per Bolund said “We are now seeing waiting times drop sharply and we want them to continue to fall. That’s why we are now looking to give more resources to county authorities.”

Earlier the government was criticized by the Centre Party for its commitment to supporting solar power systems. The Centre Party wants to replace current arrangements with a green tax subsidy.

However, Bolund is of the opinion that such a measure could put the continued growth in solar energy at risk.

“With development going so well and so many people showing interested in solar panels, I don’t think it would be good to rip up the whole system and start again,” Bolund said.

State support for installation of solar panels can be applied for by public organizations, private individuals, and other companies in Sweden.

According to Swedish Energy Agency the amount of financial support given is calculated based on costs eligible for the scheme and can reach up to 30 percent of eligible costs.

Source: The Local