The era of traditional solar subsidies in Cyprus has come to a close with the arrival of 2026. The popular “Photovoltaics for All” scheme officially expired on 31 December 2025, marking the end of the “net metering” model for new applicants. However, the Ministry of Energy is preparing to launch a successor programme in the coming days with two radical shifts in policy.
According to reports from Phileleftheros, the new scheme will replace kilowatt-hour (kWh) credits with a “net billing” system. Under the old net metering model, consumers “banked” excess energy on the grid to use later. From 1 January 2026, all new applicants will instead be credited based on the real-time market value of the electricity they export, while being charged the full retail price for the energy they draw from the grid.
The second major change makes battery storage mandatory. To qualify for state grants under the new national programme, homeowners must install energy storage systems alongside their solar panels. This move aims to stabilise the national grid and reduce “energy dumping” during peak production hours. While specific details on battery sizes and subsidy amounts are yet to be announced, the funding will be drawn from national resources.
Solar Adoption by District
Data reveals that over 88,000 households and small businesses in Cyprus have now installed solar systems. Nicosia leads the island in adoption rates:
| District | Number of Systems |
| Nicosia | 34,711 |
| Limassol | 20,146 |
| Larnaca | 15,418 |
| Paphos | 10,275 |
| Famagusta | 4,812 |
Of the 88,000 total contracts, the vast majority—over 81,000—were secured under the now-defunct net metering model.
Looking ahead, the government is also expected to promote “Energy Communities.” This initiative will allow residents in apartments or houses unsuitable for rooftop solar to benefit from cheaper green energy produced in shared solar parks. This model follows a broader EU trend of replacing individual net metering with more equitable community-based billing.