Focus Shifts to Batteries
Following the boom in solar panels, batteries are now the focus. The government is preparing a HUF 100 billion intervention in the residential energy market after Hungary became a "solar superpower." However, rapid expansion brought a new challenge: more electricity is being produced than can be stored. The Home Energy Storage Program, launching in February, offers a solution with grants of up to HUF 2.5 million per household.
The application details were published on Thursday, and interested parties can find information at otthonienergiatarolo.gov.hu. Deputy Minister Czepek emphasized that the application process has been made as simple as possible.
"Our offer is simple: fill out a 2.5-page form to access HUF 2.5 million," stated the Deputy Minister. He views this as a massive opportunity for both the population and the country.
No Functional Solar System Without Storage
Czepek argued that Brussels should focus less on administrative and regulatory issues and more on common-sense action. "Our recommendation is to follow the Hungarian model. Build on the trio of solar, nuclear, and storage. Focus more on power plants, production, cables, storage, and funding, and less on directives, pricing, and carbon taxes," he said.
The government aims for an electricity system built on three pillars: solar, nuclear, and storage. Hungary currently has over 8,300 MW of solar capacity—comparable in scale to the Paks nuclear power plant—but this power can only be fully utilized if paired with storage. Currently, the country has only about 220 MW of storage capacity, which is why residential and corporate programs are being launched simultaneously.
The combined effect of these two measures will be that within a year and a half, storage capacity will increase nearly fivefold, reaching 1,000 MW. This is a key issue for system stability.
Grant Details and Eligibility
The program is open to those who already have solar panels or agree to install them. The grant covers both the battery and the inverter, providing a fixed HUF 2.5 million. The government estimates an average investment costs around HUF 3.2 million, making the subsidy rate exceptionally high.
Priority will be given to:
- Those already in (or moving to) the gross settlement system by 2030.
- Residents of smaller settlements (towns/villages under 5,000 people).
Czepek clarified that the transition from the annual "net metering" (szaldó) system to gross settlement was required by EU regulations, but Hungary is ensuring it doesn't happen overnight. Those already in net metering can remain for ten years, with the process stretching until 2034.
Solving the "Peak Demand" Problem
The biggest challenge remains that solar panels do not produce electricity when consumption peaks. While seasonal storage (summer to winter) does not yet exist at an industrial level, batteries are the most effective tool for shifting daytime production to evening use.
"This helps bridge one of the greatest shortcomings of solar systems, allowing households to use their own energy during evening peak hours when there is a shortage on the grid," Czepek explained.
Parallel Corporate Program
The state is also launching a HUF 50 billion corporate tender on February 10 as part of the Ányos Jedlik Energy Program. Together with the residential program, these initiatives aim to foster an "energy storage culture" across society.
Timeline:
- January 15: Application conditions published.
- February 2: Applications open.
- Mid-March: Winners notified.
- Late May: Documentation phase and start of construction (2 years to complete).
The grant is a fixed HUF 2.5 million, not a percentage. If a project costs less than this, the grant is adjusted accordingly. Additionally, the state will provide the advance payment directly to the applicant (not the contractor) to facilitate the start of the investment.
About Gábor Czepek
Born in 1981, Gábor Czepek is a legal professional who has held various government roles since 2010. He has served as State Secretary for Development and Energy, CEO of Szerencsejáték Zrt., and Chairman/CEO of MVM. Since September 2024, he has been the Deputy Minister of Energy and the Government Commissioner responsible for expanding electricity storage capacity.
Source: index.hu, 2026.01.15.