Fixing: Half of Portuguese people are unaware of support for energy efficiency

Companies in the energy sector installing residential solar panels are concerned about the functioning of the Environmental Fund, and complain about the short application periods as an obstacle to the effectiveness of the program and the sustainability of the sector, generating uncertainty and instability in the market.

Fixando, a service contracting platform, surveyed several companies that operate in the installation of solar energy systems, such as By Energy, from Caldas da Rainha, which says it has seen an increase in demand for the installation of solar panels, however, it points out that the limited availability of the Environmental Fund, whose applications open for short periods, means that many families end up never using the program.

The same company highlights that, although there is growing demand, many potential clients are concerned about the uncertainty of the Environmental Fund’s application periods and emphasize the importance of continuous availability of the program to guarantee greater certainty and security for those who want to use the fund for energy improvements in your home.

Solarassist, a Montijo company specialized in solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, also recalls the need for longer application periods and warns that many customers have been waiting for several months for the program to reopen the application period.

Remember that, at the moment, there is no forecast for the reopening of applications to the Environmental Fund, an uncertainty that, according to Solarassist officials, leads to the market operating at two different speeds.

“This uncertainty regarding the opening of new applications leads many families to postpone these projects, which not only leads to a slowdown in current demand, but can also result in a very sudden increase when applications are opened again, putting a burden on the sector”, explains Miguel Mascarenhas, CEO of Fixando.

Given the concerns raised by professionals in the sector and the results of the survey, the service contracting platform says the need to review and expand the functioning of the Environmental Fund is evident. The same official states that we are facing a brake on the energy transition and that it is imperative to extend the application periods to promote the growth of the use of renewable energy in Portugal.

Miguel Mascarenhas also recalls that the impact of the Environmental Fund is quite visible in the increase in demand for solar panel installation services. According to data from Fixando, in 2022, demand for these services increased by an impressive 181% compared to the previous year. However, in 2023, there was a 3% drop in demand, mainly due to the short deadline for applications to the Environmental Fund.

Currently, with no forecast for the reopening of applications, and with the uncertainty surrounding this issue, Fixando estimates an additional drop of 8% in the installation of solar panels in 2024, a situation that reinforces the urgent need for actions to ensure continuity and stability of the program, in order to maintain momentum in the transition to renewable energy in Portugal.

“Fixando suggests creating a phase that allows applications for improvements carried out in the last 24 months, which would avoid overload during the current application periods and allow work to be carried out in a more timely manner. Furthermore, the value of the voucher available often does not cover the total costs of the necessary improvements, which represents a financial challenge for families who do not have the capacity to bear these additional costs”, warns Miguel Mascarenhas.

Half of Portuguese people are unaware of the Environmental Fund Program

The survey carried out by Fixando revealed that almost half (48%) of respondents were unaware of the Environmental Fund. However, among those who are aware of the program, there is significant interest in using the program for interventions in their home, with 29% indicating that they are interested in applying when applications for the program open again.

According to the same study, carried out between March 18 and 22 among around 12,500 respondents, the most popular interventions among those considering using the Environmental Fund include replacing windows, installing space heating/cooling systems and water, installation of thermal insulation and installation of solar panels.