As part of its Green Energy Initiative, the Government of Seychelles has launched a newly revamped Residential Photovoltaic Scheme, known as PV Rebate 2.0, on Monday 8th September.
The scheme encourages households to invest in and install photovoltaic (PV) systems to reduce reliance on electricity generated from heavy fuel oil, while helping families lower their monthly utility bills.
Unlike the original scheme introduced in 2012, which was financed under a Global Environment Facility (GEF) programme, the new PV Rebate 2.0 is fully funded by the government through the national budget. For 2025, SCR 5 million has been allocated, with provisions for an increase in the 2026 budget.
To formalize the initiative, the Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Climate Change and Energy and the Utilities Regulatory Commission (URC) on Monday. A media briefing followed on Tuesday 9th September, where the scheme’s criteria and application process were outlined.
Key features of PV Rebate 2.0:
Rebate increase: From maximum residential rebate of SCR 25,200 under the old scheme to SCR 31,500 maximum residential rebate under the new scheme. The exact value of the rebate is based on the size of the system, with a rate of SCR 10,500 per KWp applied, and a maximum subsidized size of 3KWp.
Eligibility: Individuals who live in and own the residential property where the PV System will be installed are eligible. The application may be made by either the individual directly orsuppliers may apply on behalf of clients.
Application process: The PV Rebate Application Form may be obtained from the URC, and must be supported by all mandatory documents requested.
Application period: Clients must apply for the rebate within six months of installation and commissioning by the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC).
Payment: The eligible individual may either seek the reimbursement from the Government directly, after appropriate commissioning of their PV system. Alternatively, the eligible individual may mutually agree with their supplier/installer for an upfront reduction in the supplier/installer’s invoice to the value of the rebate, and for the supplier to seek payment of the rebate on their behalf after appropriate commissioning of their PV system.
Effective date: The scheme applies only to systems commissioned from January 2025 onwards.
Transitional provision: Residential customers who applied under the old scheme will still be supported under the original terms and conditions but must submit their rebate application within three months of the launch (by 8th December 2025).
Highlighting the broader context, Principal Secretary for Climate Change and Energy, Mr. Tony Imaduwa, stated:
“This PV Rebate Scheme is part of a larger green energy programme the government has to encourage the population to invest in renewable energy. We also have the SEEREP Scheme, which comes in the form of a subsidised loan from commercial banks. In addition, we are finalizing work on a new PV Rebate Scheme for small and medium businesses. These are just a few of our ongoing initiatives, alongside larger-scale projects in the pipeline.”