Energy Efficiency Program in Just Transition Regions

Support for photovoltaic systems and facilities: BGN 141 million for SMEs

The procedure BG16FFPR003-4.011 “Support for photovoltaic systems and facilities in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises” is open for applications in the MIS 2020 from 19.12.2025 (11:00 a.m.) to 24.03.2026 (5:00 p.m.).

The conditions for application and implementation of investments are published on the UMIS website.

The funding is aimed at investments in photovoltaic installations in combination with local storage facilities (batteries) to reduce electricity costs, improve energy independence and support the transition to a cleaner economy.

What does the program fund?

The program provides grants for SMEs that want to build photovoltaic installations and systems for storing the energy produced.

It includes two main components.

Component 1: for own consumption

Component 1 is for enterprises that will use the produced energy for their own needs, with the installation being up to 1 MW and being implemented in combination with a battery (local storage).

Important restriction: the installed capacity of the PV system for own consumption should not exceed more than 2 times the provided capacity (according to the certificate/contract with the ERD), but in all cases no more than 1 MW.

Component 2: for energy sales

Component 2 is for enterprises that build a PV system for selling electricity on the free market, with an allowable capacity of up to 5 MW, and here too the installation should be in combination with batteries.

Territorial scope of support for photovoltaic systems and facilities

Financing is available only to SMEs operating and applying for investment in the territory of:

• Pernik region

• Kyustendil region

• Stara Zagora region

• 10 municipalities from the Maritsa Basin: Nova Zagora, Yambol, Simeonovgrad, Harmanli, Topolovgrad, Haskovo, Dimitrovgrad, Elhovo, Sliven and Tundzha

These areas are a priority, as it is there that the local economy is expected to reorient towards cleaner energy sources.

Who can apply for the SME Energy Efficiency Program?

The following can apply under the procedure:

• traders under the Commercial Act / cooperatives (or equivalent persons from the EEA),

• with micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) status,

• who, at the time of application, are conducting business activities in the eligible districts/municipalities and are applying for investments that will be implemented there.

Minimum net sales revenue for 2024 (for existing businesses over 2 years):

• micro: ≥ 100,000 BGN.

• small: ≥ 250,000 BGN

• average: ≥ 800,000 BGN

Restriction: one applicant, together with affiliated enterprises, is entitled to submit only one project proposal under the procedure.

Amount and intensity of aid for photovoltaic systems and installations

The intensity depends on the aid regime:

• for de minimis: up to 65%

• under the “regional investment aid” regime (different intensity by type of expenditure and size of enterprise):

  • for photovoltaic installations: 65% (micro/small) and 55% (medium)

  • for batteries (storage): 50% (micro/small) and 40% (medium)

The total budget of financial support for photovoltaic systems and facilities amounts to BGN 141.77 million, provided by the Just Transition Fund and national co-financing.

Supported enterprises must maintain the sustainability of the project for at least three years after its final completion.

What expenses are eligible?

Local storage facilities (batteries) must have a minimum capacity (kWh) equivalent to storing at least 1 hour for 100% of the installed capacity of the PV system under the project.

Equivalent combinations are also permissible (e.g. 2 hours for 50% or 4 hours for 25% of power).

The PV system with batteries must be built on:

• building/property – fully owned by the applicant, the building must be put into operation on the date of application, or

• building/property with established building rights for the applicant (again with a building put into operation on the date of application).

It is not permissible for the investment to be carried out on a building/property used by the applicant under lease/concession.

However, projects that have already been implemented or those that receive support from other programs are not funded in order to avoid double funding.

Implementation period and sustainability

The deadline for project implementation is up to 24 months, but no later than 31.12.2029.

After the aid is paid, sustainability requirements usually apply – the assets must be used for their intended purpose and not be alienated/given away contrary to the conditions for a certain period (including restrictions on disposal).

How Solar House supports your successful application

With many years of experience in the design, construction and legalization of photovoltaic systems for businesses, the Solar House team is a reliable partner for businesses that want to take advantage of the opportunities of the new energy efficiency program.

Our experts will assist you in the preliminary technical analysis, determining the optimal power and configuration of the system, including preparing an application offer.

От първоначалната идея до реализацията – поемаме целия процес „до ключ“, осигурявайки на Вашия бизнес максимална енергийна независимост, по-ниски разходи и бърза възвръщаемост на инвестицията.

Contact SolarHouse to receive expert advice.