The Slovenian government is reducing the subsidy funds for solar energy sources from 40 million euros, which will be paid out this year, to only 10 million next year, reports the business newspaper Finance.
The new energy law changes the model of subsidizing solar power plants and other renewable energy sources, reducing the previous funds, and also foresees the determination of a quota for available funds for solar energy, wind energy, and other renewable sources based on cost-effectiveness, the newspaper states, adding that small solar energy producers are dissatisfied with the changes.
– Since the amendments to the energy law were published, our phone has been ringing constantly. Investors want to complete their solar projects this year, as subsidies for next year are uncertain, said Robert Otorepec, director of Sol Navitas and president of the association of solar energy producers, to Finance. He added that he believes the government’s decision contradicts several European directives and that the change in subsidy policy threatens 2,500 jobs related to this energy sector.
Compared to 2010, when the purchase price for a megawatt-hour of electricity from micro-solar power plants was 415 euros, subsidies for solar energy have been halved, but many believe they are still too high, writes the Slovenian business newspaper Finance.
