Debbie Schembri | Achieving our renewable energy targets

How long ago did your company decide to break into the renewable energy market?

We took the plunge into the renewable and alternative energy market in 2005; we were one of the first local companies to branch out into the industry. Our experience as an electrical and mechanical company provided us with the perfect foundation and complementary skills. Plus it is an industry that allows us to give something back, a little contribution to the environment.

Are your energy efficient solutions suitable for large businesses or do you offer solutions for the average household?

We cater for both. We have been entrusted with some of the largest PV installations on the island such as that at MCAST and MIA. On the domestic front, we offer a host of solutions that allow our clients to save on their electricity bills - from PV panels and solar water heaters, to heat pumps and energy efficiency solutions.

Today almost everyone seems to be a renewable energy specialist. What gives your company competitive advantage?

In fact you are right, you know... I see this as a race, even though there are various so called renewable energy specialists, only a few will make it to the finish line; only those with experience, knowledge and high quality products and service.

We have been working in the commercial and industrial electrical installations industry for decades so this gives us the needed know how in electrical engineering and energy; we have years of experience in PV, trained in-house engineers and PV technicians and we are backed by the most trusted PV manufacturer in EU - Conergy; we have a long list of companies that have entrusted us with their projects... we have all the ingredients to remain on top....this is what makes us competitive and what gives us advantage on our competitors.

What makes a solar panel a good quality one? 

This is quite a tricky question because a good quality panel is a must, however equally important is recognising a good quality panel that is good for our climate. Certain first class panels may not always be good for Malta and we must learn how to buy a panel which is good for our environment.

We need a panel which is built for the Mediterranean environment, which is warm, windy and surrounded by the sea. Salt mist certification; low light production capability; resistance to high temperatures, strong winds and hail; plus a strong manufacturer warranty against these elements, are the essential characteristics of a good quality panel for Malta.

According to EU stipulations, 10% of energy used in Malta has to come from renewable sources by 2020. Do you think this is possible?

Yes, this is possible and I'm pretty sure we will get there. In our opinion, the government is very committed to reaching this target and is working at full speed to achieve the 10% on time. The general public also seems to understand the importance of this issue as well.

Do you think that reaching this target is mostly in the hands of big business or does the man in the street have also have a role to play? 

Each and every person, company and entity is responsible to reach this target, l'unione fa la forza - so we need everyone on board to reach the target on time. Even children and adolescents are making a difference and doing their part - alternative energy and environmental impact are issues that are being discussed with students very frequently.

What government grants are available to help the little guy?

The MRA grants which offer a rebate on the investment in a PV system is currently available to all domestic households. The scheme opened a few weeks ago and will remain open until all €21Million allocated has been taken up.

The Feed-In-Tariff is another incentive offered to both the little guy as well as the big boys. A PV system literally becomes your own personal money making machine! The Feed-In-Tariff allows you to sell the units produced back to the grid at a predetermined rate. What safer investment could there be when you know exactly how much you are going to make on your system!

Does your company offer any other services?

Besides alternative energy and energy efficiency solutions, we provide electrical services as well as mechanical and electrical installations.

Do you have any new projects in the pipeline?

Yes, 3 very important projects, all related to alternative energy. These are very exciting projects - milestone projects for our company. We are still in the final stages of discussions and should hopefully be able to announce these soon.

How do you see the company in five years time?

Electrofix is growing fast. When we first started the business I would have never thought we would grow so fast and so strong. From the projects that we have in the pipeline projected over the next 5 years, I see our company on the fore front in the alternative energy sector in 5 years time.