Freezing temperatures across Cyprus have caused significant damage to solar water heaters, prompting authorities to launch an assessment program to offer financial assistance to affected homeowners.
Reports have surfaced of cracked glass panels on solar heating systems following recent sub-zero temperatures that impacted the island. District administrations have been instructed to begin recording and evaluating the extent of the damage to residential solar water heaters.
Eliza Vasiliou, vice president of the Scientific Technical Chamber (ETEK), explained that in extremely low temperatures, water freezes and expands within the panels, leading to cracks. “It’s similar to what happens with a beer in a freezer,” Vasiliou told Philenews. “When the liquid freezes, the pressure causes the bottle to break.”
Damage assessments will be carried out over the next few days, with a proposal for financial aid to be submitted to the Council of Ministers, in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry.
Residents whose solar heaters have been damaged are urged to contact their district administration by Friday, February 28, to report the issue and arrange for an inspection.
Vasiliou noted that improved materials have reduced the extent of the damage. She also clarified that covering solar panels with blankets is not effective in preventing freezing. Instead, she suggested that ensuring constant water flow helps mitigate the risk, although she acknowledged the impracticality of leaving taps running due to water conservation concerns. She also pointed out that systems with water pressure pumps are less prone to freezing damage compared to those that rely on gravity flow.
Regarding reports of damaged photovoltaic panels, Vasiliou explained that while these systems contain crystals, they are unlikely to freeze at the temperatures recorded in Cyprus, as such systems operate without issues in colder climates.
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that its services remain on standby to provide assistance to protect citizens, in coordination with other relevant ministries and departments.
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