Malta boasts one of Europe’s highest solar energy potentials

Country or Region Overview

Country or Region: Republic of Malta

Capital: Valletta

Total Population: Approximately 520,000 (as of 2025)

Geographical Location: Malta is a southern European island nation located in the central Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily (Italy) and the north coast of Africa. The country consists of three main islands—Malta, Gozo, and Comino—and enjoys one of the sunniest climates in Europe. With its strategic location, stable infrastructure, and growing sustainability policies, Malta is ideally positioned to harness solar energy as a cornerstone of its renewable future.

Solar resource map copyright at 2021 Solargis. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution license (CC BY-SA 4.0). This is a solar resource map from Solargis. For a higher resolution map, please visit and download.

Table of Contents

Solar Irradiation Data in Republic of Malta

Malta has excellent solar potential, among the highest in Europe, making it ideal for solar PV installations year-round.

Key Solar Irradiation Data:

  • Annual Solar Irradiation: 5.0–5.8 kWh/m²/day
  • Sunshine Hours: Over 3,000 hours/year
  • Best Locations:
    • Southern and western coasts of the main island
    • Gozo Island for rural and off-grid systems
    • Urban rooftops in Valletta, Sliema, and Birkirkara

High irradiation levels allow for maximum solar output, making PV systems in Malta highly efficient and profitable.

If you need to learn more solar power potential in Malta, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.

Temperature Factors in Republic of Malta

Malta’s Mediterranean climate offers mild winters and warm summers, providing ideal conditions for solar power generation.

  • Summer highs: 30–34°C
  • Winter lows: 10–15°C
  • Average annual temperature: ~19°C
  • Panels perform well with proper ventilation to prevent overheating in summer

The stable temperature range supports consistent electricity production throughout the year.

Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Republic of Malta

Malta has a modern electricity network operated by Enemalta plc, and it is interconnected with the European grid via an undersea cable to Sicily.

  • The country relies on renewable energy, gas, and interconnection imports
  • Energy demand is increasing due to:
    • Expanding tourism
    • Growth in residential housing
    • Increased use of air conditioning and EVs
  • The National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) aims for 30% renewable energy by 2030, with solar PV as the leading contributor

The grid’s reliability and the government’s green targets make Malta a strong market for distributed and rooftop solar.

Preferred System Type in Republic of Malta

Due to limited land availability and dense urbanization, rooftop and compact solar solutions are most common.

  • Residential rooftop PV systems (3–10 kW)
  • Commercial installations on hotels, offices, and public buildings
  • Carport and solar canopy systems for shading and dual use
  • Battery-coupled PV systems to optimize self-consumption
  • Off-grid or hybrid systems for Gozo and remote properties

Malta’s combination of urban density and high solar irradiation makes rooftop solar a prime investment.

Dust and Sand Factor in Republic of Malta

Dust accumulation is moderate to high, especially during Sirocco winds carrying sand from North Africa.

  • Cleaning frequency: 3–5 times per year
  • Systems near the coast or construction areas require more frequent maintenance
  • Anti-dust coatings and tilted installations help maintain efficiency

Regular cleaning ensures consistent energy performance across the year.

Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Republic of Malta

Malta’s coastal climate leads to moderate to high humidity but low annual rainfall.

  • Average humidity: 65–80%
  • Annual rainfall: 550–600 mm, mainly from October to March
  • Systems require weather-sealed components and IP65+ enclosures to prevent corrosion

Humidity is manageable with proper installation and component selection.

Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Republic of Malta

Being a small island nation, salt air exposure is a significant factor for PV installations.

  • High salt concentration in coastal air may corrode standard metal parts
  • Recommended:
    • Marine-grade aluminum or stainless steel structures
    • Anodized PV frames and UV-resistant junction boxes
    • Regular visual inspection and maintenance

Using salt-resistant materials ensures long-term reliability and minimal degradation.

Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Republic of Malta

Malta offers strong financial incentives and EU-backed programs to encourage solar energy use.

  • Feed-in tariffs (FiTs) and grants for households and businesses
  • Rebate schemes covering up to 50% of installation costs
  • Net metering policy for small systems up to 40 kW
  • Tax deductions for renewable energy investments
  • Ongoing EU structural fund support for community and public projects
  • Promotion of battery storage and smart metering systems

These measures make Malta one of the most supportive solar markets in the Mediterranean.

ROI on Solar Systems in Republic of Malta

Given Malta’s excellent solar irradiation and financial incentives, ROI is very attractive.

  • Residential ROI: 3–5 years
  • Commercial ROI: 4–6 years
  • System lifespan: 25–30 years with minimal maintenance
  • High self-consumption and export tariffs enhance profitability

Solar power provides stable, long-term returns while protecting users from rising grid costs.

Conclusion on Solar Power in Republic of Malta

Malta stands as a Mediterranean leader in solar energy adoption, benefiting from abundant sunshine, government incentives, and a strong commitment to renewable growth. Despite limited land space, Malta’s rooftop potential and technological readiness make it a top destination for efficient and profitable solar installations.

Solarvance offers high-quality, corrosion-resistant solar systems designed to withstand Malta’s coastal climate. Our rooftop and hybrid energy solutions help households, hotels, and businesses maximize solar output, reduce energy bills, and contribute to Malta’s transition toward a clean, sustainable energy future.

Choose Solarvance for Your Solar System

Contact us today to explore customized solar solutions for your needs, whether you’re interested in grid-connected, off-grid, or hybrid solar systems. Our team at Solarvance is here to guide you through every step of the process, from system design to installation and maintenance.