Virtual Net Metering | FOTEINI ENERGY LTD

Virtual Net-Metering

How It Works

Virtual Net-Metering calculates the difference between energy imported from the grid and electricity exported by a photovoltaic (PV) system installed at a different location from the property it serves. In Cyprus, this method allows PV panels to be installed offsite, connected to the consumer’s EAC account, and balances the property's energy consumption with remotely generated solar power.

This setup is ideal for residential units, agricultural properties, and wineries, especially when the property itself is unsuitable for PV installation or when offsite installation is preferred.

Who are Eligible

Eligible beneficiaries for Virtual Net-Metering include:

Residential Consumers: Individuals who are approved residents in Cyprus and own the residential unit served by the PV system, or have the owner's consent if they are not the owners.

Professional Farmers: Natural and legal persons, as well as cooperatives, who engage in full-time agricultural activities, are included in Register A - Farmers and Agricultural Holdings, and meet specific conditions.

Wineries: Existing and new wineries that produce or market products listed in Part II of Annex VII of Regulation (EU) 1308/2013. This also includes producer organizations, associations of two or more producers, or interprofessional organizations that meet specific criteria.

Technical Information

Installation Locations

Virtual Net-Metering PV systems can be installed in locations separate from the serviced property, including:

On Roofs: On legally erected buildings per the conditions of the Minister of the Interior's decree.

On Ground Within a Plot: Where there is a legally erected building. A building permit is required if the PV panel area exceeds 20 square meters.

On Ground Within a Parcel: Without any erected building, in permitted areas with necessary building and urban planning permits.

A separate meter is required for each PV system per serviced property electricity bill, and the applicant must be the person to whom the electricity bill is addressed. Consent from the lot owner is also necessary.

Maximum Power Capacity

Domestic Consumers: Up to 10.4 kWp per electricity bill.

Professional Farmers and Wineries: Up to 100 kWp per electricity bill.

The maximum power is also limited based on the annual electricity consumption of the serviced property.

Electricity Netting Method

Electricity netting is done by the supplier either bi-monthly or monthly, over 36 months. The electricity produced by the PV system offsets the electricity consumed from the grid for a single residential unit or building located away from the PV system.

Duration

Beneficiaries will sign a Virtual Offsetting Contract with their supplier for 15 years (residential) or 10 years (farmers and wineries). The contract can be renewed per current legal regulations.

Licensing Process

We handle the entire licensing and approval process for PV systems on roofs of legal buildings and on land up to 20 square meters with an existing legal building.

Application Submission: We first apply to the District Administration or Municipality for an exemption from a building permit.

EAC Application: Next, we submit an application to the EAC as the Distribution System Operator (DSO).

General License for Larger Systems: For PV systems over 50kWp, we obtain a General License from CERA before applying to the EAC.

Approval and Terms: Once approved by the DSO, connection terms are issued. After the customer pays, the meter offset contract is signed.

Implementation: The project can then proceed to implementation.