The energy transition, that is, the transition from fossil to clean and renewable energy sources, implies the democratization and decentralization of the production and consumption of electricity. Residential buildings, especially in larger cities where they make up the majority of residential structures, therefore play a key role, through the recognition and use of the benefits of the new legal institute, that is, the “buyer-producer” model. In addition to the obvious financial savings on electricity bills, which buildings can now produce themselves by installing solar panels on their own roofs, this model also allows housing communities to contribute to the production of renewable energy and the reduction of harmful gas emissions.
Although legislative changes from 2022 enable both individual households and residential communities in Serbia to become buyers-producers of electricity through solar panels on roofs, the number of residential communities that have taken advantage of this opportunity is extremely small. While there are currently thousands of individual households in the buyer-producer register, there are currently only three housing associations.
IN FOCUS:
The journey of a thousand miles begins – with the first building!
German development cooperation provided financial and organizational support to an interested housing community in New Belgrade, which decided to become a buyer-producer. This initiative, which involves the installation of a 15kW solar power plant on the roof of a building in Nehruova Street, aims to serve as an example and source of information for other housing associations considering a similar venture. In this pioneering project, seven owners of flats in a four-story building decided to jointly invest in a solar power plant, with everyone equally contributing shares of 2kW each. The remaining 1kW of power from the power plant will be used for common consumption in the building, which will further reduce building maintenance costs.
This residential community, which was selected in a public tender, received professional support as well as participation in the financing of part of the investment in the purchase and installation of a solar power plant, which is now about to be included in the distribution network. This is the first such power plant owned by a number of tenants within one residential community. They will all benefit from the savings realized, reflected in their individual electricity bills.
Based on the experience gained in cooperation with this housing community, the German Development Cooperation in partnership with the Ministry of Mining and Energy has prepared a guide for housing communities that want to become buyer-producers. The publication of this guide is expected during the autumn, and it will provide comprehensive information and guidance for housing communities that want to start the energy transition and their own electricity production.
Measure three times – cut once!
In order to further facilitate the decision-making process, the German Development Cooperation has adapted its solar calculator (solarnikalkulator.rs) to the specific needs of housing communities. This tool allows both individual households and housing communities to easily estimate the optimal power and size of the solar power plant in relation to the needs of the apartments and the available roof area.
In addition to promoting the buyer-producer model, German development cooperation is actively engaged in spreading awareness about energy efficiency. In the coming period, special attention will be devoted to demonstrating the technical and financial justification of investing in combined measures – on the one hand in energy efficiency (eg thermal insulation, replacement of windows and doors, etc.), and on the other hand in renewable energy sources, such as are photovoltaic panels, solar collectors, and heating and cooling systems such as different types of heat pumps.
GIZ
Source: energetskiportal.rs
