Solar Incentives in Greece

The Φωτοβολταϊκά στη Στέγη programme launched in 2023 funds rooftop solar PV combined with battery storage for residential primary residences. Subsidy tiers depend on household income and family size: lowest-income tier ~75% of cost, middle tiers 50–60%, upper tier ~40%. Combined system + storage cost cap typically €16,000 for the 60% tier. Battery storage of ≥ 5 kWh is generally required to qualify for the highest subsidy rates. Applications are filed through the dedicated photovoltaicsstegi.gov.gr portal — installer-led submission is typical. Annual budget is allocated and exhausts on first-come-first-served basis. The programme combines with net metering (below) for ongoing operational savings. Greece's strong solar resource (5.2 PSH average, higher in islands) makes this one of the most generous residential incentive programmes in the EU.

Greek residential customer-generators on the mainland and Crete use Συμψηφισμός Παραγωγής-Κατανάλωσης (Generation-Consumption Compensation) at 1:1 retail rate on monthly settlement. Surplus credits roll forward up to 3 years before settlement. The Hellenic Distribution Network Operator (DEDDIE) handles applications and meter installation. For non-interconnected island systems (small Aegean islands) with autonomous diesel-based generation, special rules apply with sometimes-favorable export pricing to displace expensive diesel. Virtual net-metering also available for renewable energy communities (κοινότητες ενέργειας) under Law 4513/2018.

Greece applies the standard 24% ΦΠΑ (VAT) to solar PV equipment. Some installation services may qualify for the reduced 13% rate when supplied as renovation work on existing residential property (under decree-specific conditions). No general residential PV exemption equivalent to Germany's 0% rate. The Φωτοβολταϊκά στη Στέγη subsidy is calculated on the post-VAT cost, so the cash subsidy materially offsets the VAT burden for qualifying households.