On the TV show “Alpha Kalimera”, Mr. Fanos Karantonis, Director of K-Energy and President of the Association of RES Companies, explained what is currently happening with photovoltaics, Net Metering, the extensions of the existing framework, and the uncertainty surrounding the new self-consumption scheme.
Applications for photovoltaic systems have surged, AHK is asking the public for patience, and the market is in a transitional phase, with consumers trying to take advantage of the current rules before they change.
1. What is happening with applications and the scheme that ends on 31 December
The presenter describes the situation: there is a kind of “alarm” around applications for photovoltaics to AHK, to the point where AHK is asking people to be patient due to heavy pressure on the system.
Mr. Karantonis explains that:
- The current scheme for photovoltaics and self-consumption ends on 31 December.
- We are already in early December, with no new scheme yet announced by the state.
- This creates anxiety because people don’t know what will apply from 1 January onwards.
2. A framework that started in 2013 and has reached its limits
Mr. Karantonis reminds us that:
- Since 2013, there has been a clear framework that gave consumers the right to produce their own energy and use it for their own needs (self-consumption).
- This was implemented through the Net Metering and Net Billing schemes.
- This framework was initially set to run until April 2025, but:
- A first extension was granted until 1 August
- A second extension until 1 October
- And a third extension until 31 December
Even though these extensions bought time, they were not accompanied by a clear announcement of how the new regime will work.
3. Self-consumption is not being abolished – what changes is how it will operate
One of the most important points Mr. Karantonis makes is that:
- The end of the current framework does not mean that consumers lose their right to self-consumption.
- Solar energy will continue to be produced to meet consumers’ needs.
- What will change are the details and parameters, such as:
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- how exported energy will be compensated
- in what quantity
- under which terms and in which framework
As he stresses, the essence lies in the details of the new framework – details we still do not know.
4. Uncertainty around the new framework and the need for clear rules
Mr. Karantonis notes that:
- Despite repeated interventions from the Association to the competent authorities, there is still no clear picture of the new framework.
- The market and consumers are “in the dark”, while:
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- some are trying to rush to be included under the current scheme
- others already know they won’t make it (e.g. new homes that do not yet have a building permit)
In addition:
New houses and apartment buildings are legally required to have photovoltaics,
yet the way these systems will operate and how exported energy will be compensated has not been defined.
5. Batteries, storage and the role of the consumer
The discussion also touches on energy storage:
- Batteries are not always equally beneficial for everyone.
- In some cases, they are very useful; in others, less so.
- A clear framework is needed so that the market does not head in the wrong direction and consumers do not make poor choices.
At the same time, Mr. Karantonis points out that:
In the future, consumers will need to become more “active participants”:
- understanding when they produce
- when they consume
- when it makes sense to store energy (battery or EV)
This is exactly what Europe is promoting: active consumers/producers (prosumers) who participate more consciously in the energy system.
6. Curtailments and grid limits
One of the most sensitive topics is curtailment of production:
- In recent months, during periods of low demand (spring, autumn), photovoltaic systems were switched off for a few hours.
- As more systems are installed, curtailments will increase.
- In essence, curtailment is a restriction of the right to export energy to the grid when it cannot absorb it.
That is why, as he explains:
- We cannot expect that curtailments will simply disappear.
- Everyone will need to manage their energy better, either by storing it or using it locally when a curtailment command is given.
7. Is it still worth installing photovoltaics?
Despite the changes and challenges, Mr. Karantonis is clear:
- “Photovoltaics are worthwhile, they are worthwhile and they will remain worthwhile.”
- Today, a residential PV system can be recouped in about 3–3.5 years.
- Even with a curtailment portion (e.g. 10% of production), the payback period might go up to around 4 years, which is still excellent compared to the 7–8 years that used to be considered an acceptable target.
Net Metering, as experienced over the last decade, has probably been the most favourable framework for consumers. However, as he notes, a new model now needs to be found that:
- continues to benefit the consumer,
- while also being sustainable for the country’s energy system, so that energy is not exported at times when the grid cannot absorb it.
8. What needs to happen next?
In closing, Mr. Karantonis stresses that:
- The government and the relevant authorities must urgently announce the new framework.
- Clear rules are needed on:
- self-consumption
- compensation of exported energy
- the role of storage
- the limits of the grid
Until then, consumers continue to be interested, to ask questions and to seek information, and the role of companies in the sector, such as K-Energy, is to help them make the right decisions, with their interests in mind and in line with the country’s energy transition.