Single Contact point renewable energy permitting in Malta
The single contact point is designated in line with sub-regulation (5) of regulation 19 of Promotion of Energy from Renewable Sources Regulations (S.L. 545.35) and is formed jointly between the Regulator for Energy and Water Services and the Planning Authority. The single point of contact offers guidance to applicants through the administrative permit-application procedure, in relation to renewable energy sources, combined heat and power and energy storage.
Renewable Energy Manual of Procedures
The Manual of Procedures provides guidance and assists users through the different administrative permitting procedures, authorisations, licences, clearances required for the installation and connection to the distribution system of installations generating electricity from renewable energy sources. (Download document)
Planning Permission
Under the Development Planning Act (2016), any form of development — including building, engineering, or alteration works — requires planning permission before being carried out.
Rooftop installation of photovoltaic and solar panels
Class 1(iv) of the Development Notification Order (S.L. 552.08) allows the installation of solar panels and photovoltaic panels without notification, as long as they comply with the Development Control Design Policy, Guidance and Standards (DC15) and other applicable regulations.
Key policy and guidance points:
- G26 – Photovoltaic Modules and Solar Water Heaters encourage PV and solar water heater installations but requires careful design to reduce visual impact.
- P48 – Integrated Design of Sustainable Materials and Systems require solar panels to be architecturally integrated into the building.
- Roof-mounted systems must respect height limits and be screened when necessary.
- On historic or scheduled buildings, panels must be placed flat within the roof envelope.
- Installations on façades or visible elevations are assessed for visual impact and context.
Solar PV installation in industrial zones
According to the Solar Farm Policy, any PV installation in industrial zones whether roof- or ground-mounted is permitted through the Development Notification Order or any procedure replacing it.
Solar PVs outside the Development Zone
Under the Rural Policy and Design Guidance (2014), small-scale PV systems may be allowed on existing rural buildings or paved areas, provided they do not create a visual intrusion.
Any PV installation not qualifying under the permitted development rules requires full development permission.
Solar Farm Policy
A solar farm is defined as a commercial photovoltaic installation with a total footprint greater than 1,000 m², typically unrelated to residential use.
The Solar Farm Policy sets design and planning criteria to guide the evaluation of such projects.
It prioritises installations on:
- Large rooftops
- Car parks
- Industrial areas
- Quarries
Projects near environmentally sensitive areas (SACs or SPAs) are assessed on a case-by-case basis in line with the Appropriate Assessment (AA) and Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA) requirements.
Further details: Solar Farm Policy
Micro-wind turbines
Guidance on micro-wind turbine installations is available in the Planning Guidance for Micro-Wind Turbines, outlining design and location criteria:
Planning Guidance for Micro-Wind Turbines
Development Requiring Permission
Renewable energy developments not covered by permitted development provisions require full development permission.
Applications must be submitted by a Perit (warranted architect) via the Planning Authority’s eApplications portal.
Projects larger than 5,000 m² or requiring environmental studies (ERA screening) must first undergo a screening process involving authorities such as:
- Transport Malta
- Environment and Resources Authority (ERA)
- Superintendence of Cultural Heritage
- Regulator for Energy and Water Services
- Agriculture and Design Advisory Committees (If greenhouses or solar farms are involved)
Connection arrangements and support schemes
There are a number of possible connection arrangements available for PVs also including the possibility of benefitting from a support scheme depending on the size of the PV system and the use you want to make of the electricity generated. It is also possible to generate electricity from an installation producing electricity from renewable energy sources for own consumption and export the surplus at the market price. In the case of installation producing from renewable energy sources including PVs with a capacity starting from 40kW, support may be awarded through a competitive bidding process.
