New left challenges “Solar panels in the field” program – Parliamentary question submitted
The New Left parliamentary group has brought to parliament the grievances of small-scale farmers over sudden changes in the “Solar Panels in the Field” program, following an initiative by Rhodope MP Özgür Ferhat. The group criticized the Environment and Energy Ministry for introducing measures that undermine farmers’ renewable energy investments.
Removal of Right to Sell Surplus Power
Initially, the program allowed farmers to install 10, 30, or 50 kW solar panels in their fields to cover irrigation and other energy needs, while selling surplus electricity back to the grid for compensation. However, during implementation, the ministry removed this right, imposing a “zero grid feedback” rule.
According to New Left, this change makes investments unsustainable:
“Farmers will only be able to use their solar systems during the 2–3 months of the irrigation season. For the rest of the year, the panels will sit idle, stripping investments of their economic value.”
Possible Legal Contradiction
The party also argued that the measure contradicts Article 138 of Law 5037/2023 and earlier government commitments to expand self-producer capacity.
Key Questions to the Minister
In a written parliamentary question to the Minister of Environment and Energy, the New Left group asked:
- Why has the right to sell surplus electricity to the grid been removed at the connection stage?
- Will farmers regain the right to compensation for excess power in order to make their investments viable?
- What concrete steps will be taken to protect small producers from investment losses and ensure implementation of the additional capacity provisions under Law 5037/2023?
“Standing by Small Farmers”
The New Left reaffirmed its support for small agricultural producers, stressing that sustainable farming and energy independence depend on fair policies:
“The voice of rural communities must be heard. Fair and practical energy policies must be implemented without delay.”
