As an unprecedented heat wave continues to hit Tunisia, with high temperatures since July 11, the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG) has allowed low-voltage customers – including households and businesses – to install photovoltaic energy storage systems in combination with hybrid inverters.
The decision comes as the country’s electricity grid is under increasing pressure, with demand reaching record levels due to the widespread use of air conditioning. The pressure on the network has led to recurring power outages, prompting STEG to urge consumers to reduce electricity consumption.
This permit allows owners of photovoltaic installations to use the electricity stored in batteries to power their homes during temporary grid interruptions due to relief measures.
To ensure the safety and reliability of both customer installations and the wider electricity network, STEG has published a technical guide on its website. The document describes the requirements and minimum specifications for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of photovoltaic systems equipped with batteries and hybrid inverters.
The guidelines are intended for private users, STEG’s technical teams and certified installers involved in the implementation of these systems.
This move was welcomed by Tunisia’s renewable energy sector. Sadok Besbes, chairman of the Renewable Energy Professional Group at the Confederation of Citizen Enterprises of Tunisia (CONECT), described the decision on national radio as an important step towards expanding the use of distributed energy storage.
To support faster adoption, Besbes called on the government to introduce financial incentives for households investing in these technologies. In particular, he proposed reducing customs duties on solar panels and batteries used in photovoltaic installations.
