Benefits, eligibility, and membership procedures.
The low tension (LT) photovoltaic system connected to the grid was initiated thanks to the PROSOL ELEC programme. A first pilot phase, preparing the various participants and the sector, was launched in 2010-2011. The pilot phase’s objective was to achieve an installed capacity of 1.5 megawatt (MW). Following the success of this initial phase, the Tunisian state decided to renew the PROSOL ELEC programme.
At the end of 2019, as a result of the PROSOL ELEC programme, nearly 3,400 households had been fitted with photovoltaic panels, achieving a total installed capacity of around 11,298kWp.
As a result of the creation of a network of companies installing photovoltaic systems, PROSOL ELEC has effectively brought about the development of a whole new business sector. At the end of 2019, ANME had approved 362 installation companies, of which around 100 are still active.
The decentralized low-voltage self-production scheme began in Tunisia in 2009 under Law No. 2009-7 of February 9, 2009, on energy conservation.
This framework enabled the launch in 2010 of the first “Prosol Elec” project, which experienced an exponential growth rate thanks to an intelligent mechanism set up between the four main actors: STEG, ANME, supplier and lending bank. This project resulted in the installation of more than 70MW by the end of 2019, mainly by residential customers.
This scheme was included in the new regulatory framework of 2015 (Law No. 2015-12 of May 11, 2015, and Decree No. 2016-1123 of August 24, 2016).
STEG’s low-voltage customers who wish to install a photovoltaic (PV) system only need to contact one of the suppliers listed on the National Agency for Energy Conservation’s (ANME) qualified suppliers list, who will handle the entire implementation process: preparation of the technical file, STEG approval, loan application and PV system installation. This innovative financing mechanism, which was set up under a tripartite STEG-ANME-Bank agreement, enabled the installation of nearly 160MW by the end of 2022.
Two new programs will be launched in 2022: the Prosol Elec economic program for medium consumers who consume between 1200 and 1800kWh/year with co-financing (grant) from the Nama Facility fund of €15 million, and the Prosol Elec social program for small consumers who consume less than 1200kWh/year (a pilot phase in Tozeur for 4000 households launched in 2022 with total funding by the FTE).
Any residential customer meeting the following conditions is eligible for the PROSOL ELEC project:
- Have a valid low-voltage STEG subscription in their name.
- Have an annual electricity consumption equal to or exceeding 2,000 kWh.
- Have a “well-sunny” surface area that is sufficiently large and resistant for the location of photovoltaic modules.
| Installation of a power ≤ 3 kW, annual consumption between 1,800 and 4,800 kWh | 500DT by system |
| Feasibility study: covers studies on cogeneration, renewable energies connected to the HV/MV grid, and all other energy production and optimization technologies. | 70% 30KDT |
Technical Support and Assistance: Recruitment of External Resources for an Energy Savings Action Plan | 70% 30KDT |
Steps Description
- First Contact Between the Client and an Installer
The purchaser of a photovoltaic installation is free to contact one of the installation companies (hereinafter referred to as the “installer”) approved by the National Agency for Energy Conservation (ANME) to participate in the PROSOL ELEC project.
The list of installers is available to any applicant at STEG’s district and commercial agency offices, as well as at ANME’s head office and its regional branches.
The installer must provide the client with a document describing photovoltaic grid-connected technology, the administrative steps required with STEG, and the conditions for accessing the PROSOL ELEC project’s financing mechanism. - Technical and Financial Offer from the Installer
The installer must carry out a visit to the potential client, following which a feasibility study must be conducted and a cost estimate for the installation prepared.
The feasibility study must include the technical information relating to the planned installation (system capacity, number and surface area of modules, inverter(s), estimated energy output, warranties, etc.).
The installer must detail in a quotation the costs of all components (photovoltaic modules, cabling, circuit breakers, support structures, etc.) as well as installation fees. - Signing of Contractual Documents
After the client agrees to have the installation carried out, the installer must present the various forms and documents required to begin the administrative procedures with STEG. These documents are signed by the client and handed to the installer, who forwards them to the STEG district office. They consist of:- The standard client-STEG contract for the sale of surplus electrical energy;
- The PROSOL ELEC project membership and bank loan subscription form (for beneficiaries wishing to use Attijari Bank credit to finance their installation).
- The installer prepares a complete file to obtain STEG’s approval to carry out the photovoltaic installation and to benefit from the bank credit set up under the PROSOL ELEC project. This file must include the following documents:
- A copy of the client’s national ID card.
- The standard client-STEG contract for the sale of surplus electrical energy, signed by the client.
- The PROSOL ELEC project membership and bank loan subscription form, signed by the client (notarized signature), for projects carried out with credit. [Download]
- The technical data sheet of the installation.
- The detailed cost estimate for the installation.
For each file submitted, STEG issues a receipt to the installer allowing the file to be identified and tracked.
- Review of the File by STEG
Upon receipt of the file, STEG carries out the necessary checks (completeness of the file, consistency of information, the client’s creditworthiness, eligibility of the equipment, the ratio between the client’s annual consumption and the estimated solar energy output, etc.).
Within one week of the file being submitted, the installer contacts the STEG district office to find out the decision on the file. - If approved, a copy of the following documents is given to the installer:
- The standard client-STEG contract for the sale of surplus electrical energy.
- The PROSOL ELEC project membership and bank loan subscription form.
STEG’s approval is indicated directly on each of the two above-mentioned documents.
For any file approved by the district office, the installer pays STEG a file management fee of 35.400 TND (all taxes included).
In case of rejection, STEG informs the installer of the reasons for refusal and the changes needed to obtain approval, where applicable.
After STEG’s approval, the installer must carry out the photovoltaic installation within a reasonable period from the date of approval. The installation work must be carried out in accordance with the “Technical Eligibility Specifications for Photovoltaic Installations and Safety Measures” document signed by the installer when the eligibility application was filed.
After completion of the work and submission of the documents, the installer must file a request for acceptance and commissioning of the installation with the STEG district office.
- Acceptance and Commissioning of the Installation
STEG must schedule a site visit within no more than 10 days from the date the acceptance and commissioning request is filed. The STEG district office must inform the installer of the visit date at least three days in advance.
During the visit, in the presence of the beneficiary and the installer (or their representatives), STEG technicians verify the supply of equipment, the execution of the work, and compliance with safety rules, in line with the file submitted and the requirements of the “Technical Eligibility Specifications for Photovoltaic Installations” and “Safety Measures for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Installations During On-Site Work” documents.
If no issues are found, STEG technicians then proceed to:- Install the meter for surplus solar electrical energy fed into the grid;
- Commission the installation and carry out tests to ensure it functions properly.
At the end of the visit, the STEG technicians, the installer, and the beneficiary sign the document titled “Acceptance and Commissioning of a Low-Voltage Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Installation.”
During this visit, the installer must provide the beneficiary with all installation plans, user manuals, maintenance instructions, and warranty certificates.
- After the acceptance and commissioning of the installation (month m), the STEG district office simultaneously:
- Enters the data relating to credit management and collection into STEG’s customer management system. STEG generates the repayments for the PV installation credit in accordance with its own procedures.
- Transfers to STEG’s head office (Commercial Department) a file containing mainly the PROSOL ELEC project membership and bank loan subscription form and the installation acceptance and commissioning record.
After verification and review, the Commercial Department sends, on the 25th of month (m+1), a transfer order to BANQUE ZITOUNA in favor of the installer. The bank pays the credit amount on the 2nd of month (m+2).
- To benefit from the incentives granted under the PROSOL ELEC project, the installer must submit to ANME, after commissioning of the installation, a file including:
- A request for release of the FTE subsidy;
- The technical data sheet of the installation;
- The acceptance and commissioning document signed by STEG (with official stamp);
- The original invoice.
Documents utiles
- Décret gouvernemental n° 2016-1123 du 24 août 2016, fixant les conditions et les modalités de réalisation des projets de production et de vente d’électricité à partir des énergies renouvelables.
- Décret gouvernemental n° 2017-983 du 26 juillet 2017, fixant les règles d’organisation, de fonctionnement et les modalités d’intervention du fonds de la transition énergétique.
- Décret n° 2023-86 du 2 février 2023, portant modification du décret gouvernemental n°2017-983 du 26 juillet 2017, fixant les règles d’organisation, de fonctionnement et les modalités d’intervention du fonds de la transition énergétique.
- Arrêté de la ministre de l’industrie, des mines et de l’énergie du 21 décembre 2021, portant exécution du projet pilote pour l’équipement des ménages connectées au réseau basse tension les plus subventionnés par des systèmes solaires photovoltaïques au gouvernorat de Tozeur.
- Arrêté de la ministre de l’énergie, des mines et des énergies renouvelables du 9 février 2017, portant approbation du cahier des charges relatif aux exigences techniques de raccordement et d’évacuation de l’énergie produite à partir des installations d’énergies renouvelables raccordées sur le réseau basse tension.
- Arrêté de la ministre de l’énergie, des mines et des énergies renouvelables du 9 février 2017, portant approbation du contrat type d’achat par la STEG de l’excédent de l’énergie électrique produite à partir d’énergies renouvelables pour la consommation propre et livrée sur le réseau basse tension.
- Arrêté de la ministre de l’industrie, des mines et de l’énergie du 26 novembre 2022, portant exécution du projet pilote national pour l’équipement des logements des ménages à faibles revenus connectés au réseau basse tension par des unités de production d’électricité à partir de l’énergie solaire photovoltaïque.