THE NETHERLANDS - In 2008, there was a run of applications and the amount of money available was raised twice, ending up at 83 million euros. A larger take-up is expected this year.

About 8,000 people got subsidies in 2008 and this year's applications for financial help can be made from 6 April. The subsidies are not for the installation of the panels but for the electricity produced by them.

The level of the money paid out will depend on the energy price at the time of production.

It is estimated that solar panels should have paid for themselves after about 11 years. Manufacturers say the panels have a service life of at least 25 years.

An average Dutch family is said to use around 3,400 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.

To harvest that sort of energy solar panels costing about 20,000 euros are needed.

Radio Netherlands / Expatica