The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has announced a significant leap forward in the nation's renewable energy goals, with the successful installation of 783 kW of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in households across the Maldives this year under the household solar programme.
Launched in January, the initiative aims to empower citizens with access to solar power, thereby reducing household electricity bills and decreasing reliance on fuel-generated energy.
The household solar programme, championed by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, commenced its first installations in Filladhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, marking the initial phase of a broader rollout. To date, 783 kW of solar PV systems have been deployed in households across 10 Atolls. The Ministry has also revealed plans for an additional 1.5 MW of solar PV systems and is currently in the process of opening tenders for a further 7 MW, demonstrating a robust commitment to expanding solar energy adoption.
Under the first phase of the programme, a total of 3 MW of solar PV systems will be provided to households. This programme facilitates the acquisition of solar PV systems through utility companies on an installment basis, operating under the net-metering principle. The programme is set to benefit 748 households directly, with the overarching objective of significantly reducing public expenditure on electricity and maximising the utilisation of renewable energy resources.
This effort represents a crucial step towards achieving the government's ambitious target of sourcing 33 percent of the nation's electricity from renewable sources.