Tunisian Solar Programme (PROSOL) is a joint initiative of the UNEP, the Tunisian National Agency for Energy Conservation and the Societe Tunisienne de l'Electricite et de Gaz (STEG) initiated in 2005. It has established a loan facility to subsidize the cost of purchasing a Solar Water Heaters.
Source: World Resources Institute (2011) A Compilation of Green Economy Policies, Programs, and Initiatives from Around the World. The Green Economy in Practice: Interactive Workshop 1, February 11th, 2011

In 2005, the Tunisian government initiated its Solar Programme, PROSOL. The program aims to promote the development of the solar thermal market through financial and fiscal support. PROSOL is a joint initiative of the Tunisian National Agency for Energy Conservation (ANME), the state utility Societe Tunisienne de l'Electricite et de Gaz (STEG), the United Nations Environment Programme and the Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land and Sea. PROSOL includes a loan mechanism for domestic customers to purchase Solar Water Heaters (SWHs) and a capital cost subsidy provided by the Tunisian government of 20% of system costs.

The benefits of the Programme are as follows:

• Over 50,000 Tunisian families now get their hot water from the sun based on loans amounting to more than $5 million in 2005 and $7.8 million in 2006;

• Supported job creation as 42 technology suppliers have officially registered and at least 1000 companies have installed the systems;

• Prevention of 240,000 tonnes of cumulative CO2 emissions;

• Reduced reliance on imported fuel.