EAC uncovers over 100 illegal solar installations across Cyprus
"The Electricity Authority of Cyprus has disconnected 22 commercial photovoltaic installations following inspections of 110 suspected non-compliant systems, revealing that most violators—including hotels, factories, and sports grounds—completely bypassed the permitting process, which threatens grid stability and poses severe safety hazards."
EU Directive 2019/790 Article 15 Attribution • Verified Energy Document
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) has identified 110 suspected irregular photovoltaic (PV) installations at commercial properties following an inspection campaign launched in June. EAC spokeswoman Christina Papadopoulou confirmed that 77 on-site inspections have been conducted to date, leading to the confirmation of illegalities or irregularities in 22 cases. These non-compliant systems were promptly disconnected.
Papadopoulou, speaking to AlphaTV, noted that the majority of these cases involved sports grounds, hotels, factories, and shops. A significant finding was that in 17 of the 22 confirmed cases, no application for a photovoltaic system installation had been submitted whatsoever. She highlighted a specific instance where a large array of solar panels was installed at a sports ground adjacent to a main road, completely bypassing the necessary permitting process.
The EAC spokeswoman emphasized that the operation of illegal photovoltaic systems extends its negative impact beyond individual violators. The additional, unmanaged electricity fed into the national grid increases the necessity for renewable energy curtailments, which disproportionately affects and unfairly penalizes owners of legitimate photovoltaic systems. Furthermore, Papadopoulou issued a stern warning regarding the inherent safety hazards associated with unauthorized installations. She cited a tragic incident where two irregular photovoltaic energy storage systems were discovered after the premises housing them were completely razed by fire.