Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has announced that the installation of solar systems in households under the Magey Solar programme will commence this month.

Speaking to local media, Minister Thoriq said that the necessary solar systems have already been imported and handed over to Fenaka Corporation, which will handle the installations.

The programme targets 748 households across various atolls and aims to make rooftop solar installations widely accessible. The Ministry is also preparing to bring in an additional 7 megawatts of solar panels this year, with an announcement expected soon.

Minister Thoriq Ibrahim stated that the installations would include complete battery systems, with works to be carried out efficiently and comprehensively. He added that additional programmes would continue in the future with secured funding.

Under this ADB-supported initiative, households can choose between 3kW and 5kW systems, available in both single-phase and three-phase options. The systems are priced at MVR 45,000 for 3kW and MVR 75,000 for 5kW installations. System sizes will be determined through net metering principles and individual household surveys.

The Ministry has structured the payment system to be accessible, requiring no advance payment for the solar PV systems. Customers need only pay a 10 per cent installation fee at the time of contract signing. Two payment options are available: full payment upfront or a 5-year instalment plan.

A joint initiative between Fenaka Corporation and the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, the Magey Solar programme represents a significant step toward the Government's renewable energy goals. It aims to reduce public electricity expenses while increasing the use of available energy resources in the Maldives, contributing to the national target of generating 33 per cent of the country's electricity from renewable sources.