Vatra family cuts power bills with state-backed solar grant
A Moldovan family in Vatra installed solar panels and battery storage to cut utility bills and feed surplus clean electricity into the grid, supported by a government-backed energy efficiency program.
The household joined the national “Green House” program to overhaul their home, which was built in 2019 and previously upgraded with thermal insulation and a heat pump. The latest installation features 20 rooftop photovoltaic panels paired with a 16 kWh energy storage battery.
Overcoming initial delays
The total investment amounted to approximately €15,500 (approx. 300,000 MDL), with the homeowners contributing more than €5,200 (approx. 100,000 MDL) and state grants covering the remainder.
“Because the costs were quite high, we kept putting it off,” said homeowner Cristina Cebotari. “It was demanding, taking one year and a month from the acceptance notice until the funds were reimbursed by the state.”
The system was commissioned in May, allowing the family to sell surplus power back to the national distribution network while securing significant self-sufficiency ahead of the cold season.
“We commissioned the system in May and already generated credit worth up to 15,000 MDL,” Cebotari added. “According to our estimates, we will cover about 80% of our electricity needs this winter.”
Expanding residential support
More than 1,000 households have applied for financing since the initiative began, with over 700 project files already approved. The scheme primarily co-finances insulation for exterior walls, roofs, and windows, alongside clean energy equipment for energy-intensive households.
“We promote these measures for consumers with higher electricity demand,” said Lucia Arsenii, deputy director at the National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED). “Beneficiaries planning to install a heat pump, those who already have one, or electric vehicle owners are eligible for photovoltaic systems combined with battery storage.”
The second call of the program operated with a budget of approximately €10.3 million (approx. 200 million MDL). Moldovan authorities plan to launch a new financing round to help more households cushion against rising energy costs.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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