In the final days of December and January, nearly 750 additional applications were submitted for Hungary’s highly popular Solar Energy Plus Program. Over the course of the year-long submission period, more than 23,000 applicants requested a total of 235 million euros in state subsidies to install modern solar energy systems.
While evaluations are still ongoing, it is already clear that approximately 21,000 applicants will receive an average subsidy of around 10,000 euros. This funding will help enhance self-sufficiency and reduce electricity costs. The increase in the program’s budget last summer will allow for a broader impact, benefiting more families than the original estimate of 15,000.
Hungary aims to become a leader in renewable energy production and storage, both in households and on industrial sites. To support these goals, the government has allocated 630 million euros across various programs, boosting energy sovereignty and supply security, while advancing environmental protection efforts by greening both the energy and transport sectors.
The Solar Energy Plus Program began accepting applications from households in mid-January of the previous year, with the submission period running until 15 January 2025. The state subsidy covers two-thirds of the costs for purchasing and installing solar panels and energy storage systems. To date, 20,745 applicants have been granted over 207 million euros in total funding, with 40% of those recipients already receiving payouts. Completed projects so far have installed solar systems with a combined capacity of 27.6 MW and energy storage systems with a total capacity of 44.8 MWh.
In 2010, Hungary had just 292 residential solar systems. By the end of 2024, that number is expected to increase by a factor of 1,000, thanks to the Solar Energy Plus Program. More than 300,000 small solar systems, mostly on residential rooftops, are anticipated to be operational soon. These locally produced renewable energy systems, combined with energy storage to maximize on-site consumption, are helping to reduce environmental impact and household energy bills, while also easing the burden on the electricity grid.
On 20 January, a new energy-efficiency home renovation program was launched with simplified requirements, making it more accessible to a wider range of applicants with less paperwork. To qualify, participants must achieve at least 30% energy savings through upgrades such as external insulation, window and door replacements, heating or hot water system improvements, or a combination of these measures. Additionally, a rural home renovation program will provide support for installing or expanding solar systems.
