Investing in Solar PV for Businesses in Greece

From Solar Home · 2025-10-29

• Reduced electricity costs: Generating energy from the sun reduces the need to buy electricity from the grid.
• Greater energy autonomy: Integrating storage systems (batteries) makes it possible to use the energy produced even during hours without sunshine.
• Improved competitiveness: Rising energy costs put a burden on businesses—using renewable energy sources is a way to reduce these costs.
• Environmental value and & corporate image: Using “clean” energy strengthens corporate responsibility and can also provide a product or communications advantage.
• Tax / financing incentives: Depending on the legislation, grants or loans on favorable terms may be available.

1. An SME with annual electricity consumption installs, for example, a photovoltaic system on the ground or on the roof/rooftop.
   • If it covers a large portion of its consumption through self-generation, it can significantly reduce its bill.
   • If it adds storage batteries, it can use the energy produced during hours when there is no sun, avoiding purchases from the grid during peak hours.
   • In the long term, the investment pays for itself—and then operates at a much lower running cost.
2. Illustration based on estimates: If the price of electricity increases by, for example, 10-20 % in the coming years, the savings become even more significant. In addition, the business “locks in” more stable energy costs through residential/business generation.
3. Also, a grant reduces the initial investment cost—which speeds up the payback period.
   
   

• The Energy Storage Systems in Businesses program: Financial support is available to businesses of all sizes and sectors for installing storage systems in combination with photovoltaics.
  • A budget of approximately 153,7 million € is allocated to this program. 
  • Applications opened in early January 2025.
• Grant rates: Up to ~50% for small businesses, ~40% for medium-sized businesses, and ~30% for large businesses.
  • In addition, grants for specific expenses (studies, grid connection) reach up to ~50% under the program.
• Another program: grants through the NSRF for businesses installing photovoltaics—the installation of photovoltaic equipment is among the eligible expenses.
• Note that under some programs, the grant rate for photovoltaics is up to ~20% and for storage up to ~40% (or more), depending on the requirements.Source: cemcon.gr
  

1. Analysis of the business’s energy consumption: What is its annual electricity consumption, when are the peak hours/days, etc.
2. Feasibility study: Prepare a study on the installation cost, expected benefits, and payback period.
3. Choosing a technical solution:
   • Photovoltaic system plans (units KW/node)
   • Whether storage (batteries) is included
   • Choosing the connection type: self-consumption, net-metering, net-billing.
4. Applying for the grant/program: Ensure that the business meets the program requirements (size, consumption, supporting documents).
5. Installation & and grid connection: Work with a technical company and obtain the required permit/connection.
6. Monitoring/maintenance: For maximum performance, proper operation and maintenance are essential.
   
   

• Choose the system size strategically so that it covers as much of your consumption as possible—but avoid oversizing, which would unnecessarily increase costs.
• Performance depends and by technical factors: shading, panel quality, inverter, roof/space orientation.
• Take advantage of programs with energy storage, especially if the business has variable or nighttime consumption.
• Consider the tax implications: in many cases, the investment may offer tax benefits (depreciation, additional incentives).
• Work with an experienced company/consultant familiar with the terms of the programs and the technical requirements.
• Check the deadlines: some tenders/programs have a specific application period.Source: ilfconsult.com