Retailers of solar panels to take more responsibility over siting

The Chamber of Small Business's (GRTU) renewable energy section has vowed to clamp down on unsightly photovoltaic panel installations by taking responsibility for their erection, the GRTU said.

Following a meeting for the renewable energy section, the GRTU's president for the RE sector Noel Gauci said he would formally inform the Malta Environmental and Planning Authority that retailers of photovoltaic installations "are willing to be held responsible for their own installations".

"This is a breakthrough for the sector and a clear statement of integrity. The regulation, which should apply for new installations, is a clear indication that, unlike what has been reported in certain media, most installers are not just looking for the quick buck but the sustainability of the sector," the GRTU said.

Gauci also informed the members and beneficiaries of ERDF funding that after talks with Malta Enterprise (ME) and the finance ministry, installers may now carry on with installations of PV systems on the commercial premises which had been granted funding, and an extension of the deadline to finish works would be conceded to make up for the time lost during the investigations.