Pioneering Solar Energy Adoption in Multi-Family Residential Buildings Across Eastern Europe

Author: Denitsa Ilieva, HFH Bulgaria

Bulgaria's Renewable Energy Revolution: Embracing Plug-in PV Systems

As the world shifts towards renewable energy, Bulgaria stands at a crossroad, contemplating the potential and challenges of Plug-in PV solar energy. This article delves into the legislative framework, opportunities, and procedural requirements for integrating Plug-in PV systems in Bulgaria, particularly focusing on prosumers – end consumers who also produce and sell energy. 

At its core, the Sunrise Project strives to boost the use of renewable energy within the residential sector through the prosumer approach, encouraging individual homeowners or tenants to become producing consumers. This initiative aligns with the European Union's lofty climate goals, targeting a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. In today's context of skyrocketing energy prices, the importance of such projects is more evident than ever, promoting the utilization of renewable energy for household electricity generation.

In Bulgaria, the Sunrise project will be presented by installations of 12 demonstration Plug-in PV systems on the balconies of households from Dupnitsa and Botevgrad living in energy poverty. 

Empowering Prosumers in Bulgaria: Legal and Market Opportunities

The role of prosumers is crucial in Bulgaria’s energy transition. According to Article 18a of the Renewable Energy Sources Act, end-users can utilize their own renewable energy and sell any surplus at market prices. This provision empowers consumers to become active participants in the energy market, offering them economic incentives and promoting sustainable energy practices.

The Energy Act further supports this by defining "active customers" as those who consume, store, or sell self-generated electricity within specific boundaries. These customers are encouraged to engage in energy efficiency and flexibility schemes, expanding their role beyond mere consumers to contributors in the energy ecosystem.

Net Metering: Simplified Procedures and Construction Requirements

Net metering, as outlined in Article 6 of the Renewable Energy Sources Act, plays a significant role in this transformation. It allows the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission to set preferential prices for purchasing electricity from renewable sources for installations up to 30 kW. This measure is designed to incentivize the installation of PV systems on rooftops and facades in urban areas, making renewable energy more accessible to everyday citizens.

To streamline the adoption process, various legal amendments have been made to simplify installation procedures. For instance, installations up to 1 MW do not require building permits if they are added to existing structures. Additionally, installations for personal use with capacities up to 20 kW are exempt from construction permits, provided they meet specific technical criteria and safety standards.

Join the Solar Revolution: How to Become a Prosumer in Bulgaria?

Becoming a prosumer in Bulgaria is an empowering journey toward energy independence. But this journey is very challenging as well because of technical and administrative hurdles. It seems easy to buy a plug-in PV system, mount it, plug it into the socket and enjoy free energy. But it is not the case for Bulgaria yet. One reason are the installed meters that count fed-in energy as energy consumption. So, there are different steps you have to take until you can use the produced energy.

Start by submitting an application to your electrical network operator, who will take 15 days to provide a connection statement with all the technical requirements and cost estimates. Once approved, enlist a certified installer to set up your photovoltaic system as per the plans. After installation, you'll need crucial documents, including execution drawings, protective device test protocols, and accreditation certificates for the testing laboratories. 

Next, a tripartite protocol must be signed with the distribution network operator and the installer. Your electrical meter will be installed or upgraded to a bidirectional meter for self-consumption. Finally, submit an application to commission your power plant to the distribution network operator, ensuring you attach a declaration from the electricity buyer and a balancing group coordinator to confirm active purchase and balancing contracts. This process transforms you into a prosumer, actively contributing to a sustainable energy future in Bulgaria.

Radoslav Deyanski, the town of Dupnitsa, Bulgaria

Plug Into the Future: Connection and Installation

Prospective Plug-in PV system installers must submit a request to the relevant electrical network operator, who then has 15 days to study and issue an opinion on the connection conditions. The connection process must be completed within 30 days of this opinion for installations up to 108 kW. 

Installers must also provide a range of documents, including technical drawings, safety protocols, functional test reports, and compliance declarations. Upon installation, a tripartite protocol is signed by the producer, network operator, and the technical personnel involved. The operator installs or replaces the meter to ensure proper energy accounting.

The Path Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

Despite these advancements, several questions remain. Should these installations be categorized as construction projects or movable objects? Should the simplified regulations extend to multi-family residential buildings? Moreover, there is ongoing debate about implementing net metering for micro-installations and whether the registration process with energy distribution companies and municipalities can be simplified further.

The potential impact of balcony photovoltaics on reducing energy costs for households facing energy poverty is another critical discussion point. As Bulgaria navigates these challenges, the goal remains clear: to create a sustainable, inclusive, and efficient energy future.

Conclusion

Bulgaria's commitment to renewable energy is evident in its progressive legislation and supportive market conditions for Plug-in PV systems. As the country gears up for this sustainable shift, the active participation of prosumers will be a cornerstone of its success. The ongoing discussions and policy refinements will determine how quickly and effectively Bulgaria can harness the power of the sun, paving the way for a greener, more resilient energy future.

By addressing legal, financial, and social barriers, the Sunrise Project sets a benchmark in renewable energy adoption, paving the way for a sustainable and energy-independent future for multi-family residential buildings in Eastern Europe. For more information, visit: https://sunriseproject.hfh.bg/en/ 

Photos: The Housing Initiative for Eastern Europe (IWO) and Aleksandar Milenkov for Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria

This project is part of the European Climate Initiative (EUKI). EUKI is a project funding instrument of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK). The EUKI competition for project ideas is run by the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). The overall objective of EUKI is to promote climate cooperation within the European Union (EU) in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. www.euki.de/en