Promotion of community photovoltaic systems – solar energy for neighborhoods and residential complexes

Community photovoltaic systems are an exciting way to spread the benefits of solar energy across multiple households or buildings. They offer a shared solution for apartment complexes, neighborhoods, or even village communities that don't want to install individual systems. In this blog, we explore the various incentive programs available specifically for community PV systems and how they can promote energy independence and cost reduction.

1. What are community photovoltaic systems?

Community PV systems are solar systems that are shared by multiple tenants. This can be in a large apartment building or an office building, where all tenants benefit from the solar energy produced. Such models are ideal for buildings where each individual resident doesn't have the opportunity to install their own system. They can be operated by a housing association or a homeowners' association.

2. Funding opportunities for communal facilities

There are various subsidies available to support community PV systems. Federal and state governments offer special funding programs for projects in which multiple households or buildings are supplied with a single photovoltaic system. These include low-interest loans through the KfW (Renewable Energy Development Bank) and other regional funding programs, which are particularly beneficial in urban areas with limited roof space.

3. Feed-in tariff and tenant electricity model

Community-owned photovoltaic systems can also qualify for feed-in tariffs, provided the excess electricity is fed into the grid. Such projects can also benefit from the tenant electricity model, in which locally generated electricity is sold directly to tenants. The tenant electricity surcharge, which was developed specifically for community PV projects and offers attractive financial support, also applies here.

4. Tax relief and VAT exemption

The VAT exemption also applies to community photovoltaic systems, reducing initial investment costs by 19%. This tax relief applies to both the purchase and installation of the system and helps significantly reduce the costs of such community projects. Depending on the federal state, there are additional tax incentives for the shared use of renewable energy.

Conclusion

Community photovoltaic systems offer an excellent opportunity to harness solar energy in densely populated areas or multi-unit buildings. Thanks to various funding programs and tax incentives, the installation of such systems is becoming increasingly attractive. They not only offer financial savings but also promote community cohesion and sustainability.