In an effort to bolster the development of renewable energy, Slovenia has introduced a significant financial support initiative aimed at promoting solar energy and electricity storage systems. The program, managed by the national market operator Borzen, offers €30 million in non-repayable funds to support eligible projects focused on self-consumption.
The funding is specifically designated for solar installations with a maximum capacity of 1 MW, along with accompanying battery storage units. Applications for the grants will be accepted starting from 12 May, and the allocation of funds will follow a first-come, first-served basis. Interested parties must submit their applications through Borzen’s online platform, utilizing a qualified digital certificate.
Eligible participants include a range of entities such as companies, cooperatives, self-employed individuals, and local self-governing communities. However, it is crucial to note that only projects which have received network connection approval after 1 January 2025, and which commence construction post-approval, will be considered for this financial assistance. The aid is structured to provide up to €180 per kW of installed capacity and €225 per kWh of battery storage capacity. Furthermore, the total public funding is capped at 45% of the eligible investment costs, adhering to the de minimis rule that limits state aid to €300,000 per undertaking over a three-year timeframe.
The program stipulates that installations must connect under either the PS.3A or PS.3B schemes. The PS.3A model typically accommodates rooftop solar systems on commercial buildings and larger self-consumption facilities up to 1 MW. In contrast, PS.3B is designed for community-based projects and shared generation arrangements with specific metering configurations.
Projects that secure funding are required to commence operations within 18 months following the grant decision. After achieving network connection, beneficiaries will have a two-month window to submit their payment requests. Additionally, any deviation in final installed capacity from what was approved cannot exceed 25%. Once all necessary documentation is complete, disbursement of funds is anticipated within a period of 60 days.
