Poland: Separate but Capped Solar Thermal Subsidy
Submitted by Baerbel Epp on September 11, 2015
Source: EC BREC IEO
“As additional changes, the eligible costs for solar thermal systems will be reduced from 3,200 to Polish Zloty (PLN) 2,000 per kW and the subsidy amount will be capped – as originally planned for all heating installations – at 20 % of eligible costs in 2016 and at 15 % in subsequent years,” explains Aneta Więcka, solar thermal market expert at EC BREC IEO. “This will reduce the attractiveness of solar water heaters for potential consumers.”
Annual market report’s key findings
EC BREC IEO has just published the full version of its annual market report Solar thermal energy market in Poland. One trend which can be seen in the chart above is the falling share of vacuum tubes in the newly installed collector area: The 28 % in 2012 have now dropped to 20 % in 2014. Other key findings of the report in brief:
- The share of domestically produced collector area remained more or less stable, ranging from 37 % to 39 % between 2012 and 2014.
- The three major import countries for solar thermal equipment are Germany followed by China and Austria.
- The subsidy scheme NFOŚiGW was a big market driver over the last years. The share of sales subsidised by national funds increased from 6 % in 2010 to 55 % of annual market volume in 2013, and went down again to 39 % in 2014.
- Average system prices remained at previous levels last year.
Last but not least, Więcka stressed that the decreasing demand has put some pressure on the domestic solar thermal system suppliers and new companies have difficulties entering the market.
To direct the attention of politicians towards adequate targets and support mechanisms for renewable heat, EC BREC IEO is currently drafting a Roadmap 2030 in cooperation with the industry and other associations. It is planned to be published after the parliamentary elections in October.
More information:
Report and presentations from the 8th Energy Forum in May (in Polish)
