MPs reported the commerce ministry to the House commerce committee on Tuesday for opening a tender process for the installation of solar water heaters while the issue was scheduled to be discussed at the committee meeting.

The ministry further included a clause stipulating a seven-year commercial guarantee, which in turn resulted in just one participant eligible for the plan.

The MPs said this was “unacceptable” and “offended” the committee.

They also requested clarifications for the guarantee, which left the members of the solar energy industrialists out of the tender.

The House commerce committee decided to send a letter to the commerce ministry, calling for an immediate dialogue to amend the plan so the commercial guarantee is given in line with the law.

A ministry representative said the plan for solar water heaters three years ago opened with a budget of €300,000, while the current one is worth €1 million.

One of the ways to support the industry, he said, was to create an improved product, which included the guarantee.

He added that companies had reacted to the plan and did not register, with the exception of one business which did not belong to the association and had no reservations regarding the guarantee.

Opening the tender, he said, had to do with the pressure received by the people and not the meeting of the House committee.

A representative of the industrialists said the contribution of solar water heaters to renewable energy was 23 per cent and that no company offers seven years guarantee abroad.

The consumers’ association said it was sad that there was just one participant and wondered whether the company would be able to handle the demand.