From October 7 to October 10, 2024, the SUNRISE project brought together its partners for a productive and inspiring regular project meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria. Hosted at the Rosslyn Central Park Hotel, this gathering facilitated collaboration, progress assessment, and planning for future initiatives.

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 : Presentations and Planning

The day commenced with a welcome coffee and opening remarks in the “Dimyat” Hall. Hosts HFH Bulgaria and the Housing Initiative for Eastern Europe (IWO) set the tone with a brief introduction and agenda presentation. 

Highlights of the Day:

• HOAs and Renewable Energy: HFH International captivated the room with a presentation on the financial potential of homeowner associations (HOAs) in adopting smaller renewable energy measures. This discussion planted seeds for creative strategies.  
• Pilots in Focus:  HFH Bulgaria, HFH Macedonia, and Lithuanian Consumers Alliance: Country teams shared challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned, offering a rich mosaic of experiences.  
• Hurdles and Hope: From technical barriers to community engagement successes, each narrative emphasized progress and perseverance.

The day concluded with a journey into Sofia’s spirit—a guided walking tour unveiling its architectural gems.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024: Site Visits and Cultural Exploration  

The day featured excursions showcasing practical outcomes and Bulgaria’s rich heritage.

• Visit to Dupnitsa Municipality: Participants met the mayor of Dupnitsa Parvan Dangov and toured six social housing apartments equipped with Plug-in PV systems on their balconies.  
• Rila Monastery Tour: After lunch attendees explored the historic monastery — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Reflection and Future Steps

The meeting in Sofia reaffirmed the SUNRISE project’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and transnational collaboration. By combining presentations, site visits, and cultural engagement, it created a dynamic platform for innovation and partnership.

Stay tuned for updates on upcoming SUNRISE initiatives and achievements!

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

Author: Rūta Trainytė, Lithuanian Consumers Alliance

Lithuania is a benchmark case in Europe, regarding a solar and wind energy adoption breakthrough among the population. The number of generating consumers ('prosumers') has been doubling for several years in a row since 2019. The country counts around 100.000 households that are self-reliant in renewable energy. However, with 1.2 million households in Lithuania, there is still room for growth.

Lithuania is presented as a good case study at various events and conferences because both businesses and the legal system have adapted to the need for consumers to become independent and to power their homes, especially in the face of possible military threats and climate crises.

Business has seen a good niche in photovoltaics (PV), and politicians have put energy independence at the top of the priority list. Obviously, one of the best ways to achieve this is by allowing citizens to generate their own energy. Opening up the electricity grid to generating consumers has been a decisive factor in the boom in renewable energy generation.

The myths are busted

Fifteen years ago, many people in Lithuania still thought we did not have enough solar, but that myth has now been dispelled. The transition of the population to renewable energy has been and continues to be driven by state support schemes.

The state compensates around one-third of the price of installing a solar plant on a rooftop or buying a "piece" in a remote solar park.

With the boom of low-power (up to 800 watts) solar power plants in Germany, this type of power plant has started to appear in Lithuania, too. It is convenient because when you put it on your balcony, your apartment is supplied with electricity, which you can consume immediately. The rest of energy which you do not use feeds into the general electricity grid.

However, balcony power plants are still very slowly making their way, because as with every new case, there are bottlenecks to deal with. And there are a lot of them in Lithuania.

One barrier is a small supply of affordable ready-to-plug-in systems. One can buy a small solar power plant kit in an e-shop today, but the price is not yet tempting.

Of course, demand is needed to grow supply. And demand can be created in many ways.

Unfortunately, in Lithuania, we do not have any public – state or municipal – support scheme for balcony power plants, yet. In Berlin (Germany), for example, a household receives up to EUR 500 in support for the installation of such a plant. So, there is a huge market potential, both in terms of the variety of modules and good prices. After all, the most important thing is that the installation pays for itself and amortises quickly.

Benefits for the consumer – first

Lithuanians are pragmatic. In Lithuania, a low-power solar power plant on a balcony is allowed up to 800 watts. To cover yearly consumption, a single household may need two or three kilowatts or more.

So, with all the installation work, only an enthusiast can pay around a thousand euros. On the other hand, such a plant can be a good option for those who want to try the benefits of solar energy and reduce their energy bill by ten to thirty per cent.

State support would be particularly useful here, especially – for the purchase of the battery. After all, in the ideal case, energy has to be stored somewhere, because solar electricity is not generated during the night; it is also very useful to have a backup if the supply from the grid is disturbed in some accidental case.

However, the cost of a battery makes a solar power plant extremely expensive, the payback period becomes too long. It is particularly true that there are other alternatives of prosumer electricity in Lithuania, i.e. as it is easy, with a click of a mouse button, to buy a slice of a remote solar power plant.

But a resident's desire alone is not enough. Living in a multi-apartment house also creates barriers. For example, the balcony must face the sun and not be blocked by the shadows of trees or other buildings near the house.

Next, the building must be no more than 24 years old (as recommended by installation safety experts) or have refurbished electrical wiring. Of course, the condition of the balcony needs to be assessed, as it will have to bear an extra 30-40 kilograms, and an externally sourced specialist must do this by Lithuanian law. This is again a cost in time and money for the apartment owner.

To connect the solar power plant, an electrical plug is needed in the balcony on the outside, which will have to be installed by someone (an electrician on call).

Lithuania is very strict in terms of regulations and laws regarding this renewable energy source. In Germany, the prosumer himself can install a plug-in PV and does not need any experts or technicians for the installment. The only thing he needs is the allowance of the building owner or the homeowner association.

Moreover, the hanging itself is complicated if the balcony contains sliding glass windows or something similar to that. There are proposals for such cases from German experts but those do not agree with Lithuanian regulations and therefor are not applicable in this Baltic country. So, after looking at the condition of the apartment and the house, one is faced with a stumbling block that can quickly knock the wind out of a great enthusiast.

Legislative hurdles

Under current legislation, the consent of all residents of a building is required to install a solar module on their balcony. This is followed by a building project and a building permit. Yes, yes, construction, even though we are not building anything, just hanging a solar module on our balcony like a bed sheet. However, experts unanimously explain that such a 'sheet' is a change to the façade of the house, and therefore it would require a municipal permit. So, we face a conflict between aesthetics and energy safety. And aesthetics have a huge weight in the Baltic Countries. 

If the resident goes through the above steps, he or she will face a few more barriers when installing the modules. One of them is the power plant's permitted capacity. In Lithuania, for example, a maximum of 800 watts is allowed on a balcony, but there is a wide variety of solar modules available, and residents may buy a higher wattage module to maximize efficiency. What happens then? Of course, the power of the plant is regulated by the inverter – it is simply capped. But who will check that the resident does not cheat? An 800-watt solar power plant can be registered on ESO's online system without any additional requirements. However, even here, it has already been observed that there are abuses in terms of maximum installed power reporting.

An alternative in case of crises

So, all in all, it may seem like too much hassle for a low-energy gain. But it is not. A small solar power plant can already be a great alternative for energy independence, especially for people living on low incomes or in social housing.

Balconies have plenty of space, more than a roof, and they can be used for solar panels. The fears of architects about the façade of a house can be dispelled because there are already very interesting options that can even decorate the façade, making it nicer. So what is needed here is the removal of barriers, cooperation and advice.

It would also require a little more vision and seeing the possibilities in the renovation of old blocks of flats. Solar energy must be part of the renovation of the building. And balconies or even façades can serve this purpose perfectly.

In addition, residents of blocks of flats can only purchase a remote power plant if they are the owners of the flats in which they live. But for a small power plant on a balcony, you need to agree with the owner. The power plant can then be unhooked and taken to another rented apartment if needed.

Experts expect a breakthrough

As usual, everything depends on priorities and the goodwill of all parties. If we prioritize the creation of value for as many people as possible and the application of sustainable alternatives, starting from small things like how to recharge their mobile phones in a crisis, then architectural solutions can easily be found.

Just like public support: if we have a tested track, all we need is the political will for yet another support scheme. Other solutions can be found by simply allocating a certain amount of money, as is done in Germany – easier to get support.

Judging by the way the team at the Ministry of Energy is taking an interest in this renewable energy option, it is quite possible that some support system for those who want small-scale solar power plants could be designed within a couple of years.

Experts agree that there is still a lack of pilot projects in Lithuania. Hence, the SUNRISE project, implemented by the Consumers Alliance team in Lithuania, is the only one so far that has attracted the attention of both civil servants and energy specialists.

Everyone is curious to see the results of the measurements of the solar power plants installed during the project period. Small-scale solar power plants are still in their infancy in Lithuania, but, like any innovation, they will move the market and there is little doubt that within the next two decades, the balconies of multifamily houses will be covered with solar modules.

Photos: Lithuanian Consumers Alliance

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

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

Installation guide for balcony mount for glass panel with bipolar cells.

Source: GreenSolar Sub - YouTube

Current North Macedonian context and SUNRISE project implementation challenges 

Author: Mariela Klekovska, HFH Macedonia

North Macedonia, as a country aspiring for EU membership, harmonizes strategic documents at national and local level, aligned with three strategic courses of action: 

• intensive measures for energy efficiency and renewable energy sources (excluding coal) to fully cover the production of primary energy in the country,
• energy transition which leads to the creation of more than 11.000 new green jobs, and
• reduction of GHG 42% until 2040 compared to 2017.

These strategic general determinations should be integrated into the national strategic documents, action plans, laws and by-laws as well as Local Government Units (LGU) programs. A large part of the strategic documents is written according to top-down methodologies, without detailed knowledge and data of real consumers at basic level. Due to various reasons, such as technical knowledge, administrative processes or lack of finance, at times, some citizens can face difficulties to introduce renewable energy sources (RES) in their households. The residential buildings which, according to the European practice, implement measures for EE and RES are incentivized with national programs and budget, while in Macedonia this is left only at the level of local self-government and the residents themselves.

Therefore, couple of projects regarding utilization of solar energy in households are being implemented in the country. One of them is the SUNRISE project, financed by EUKI and implemented by Habitat for Humanity Macedonia (HFHM) in North Macedonia. The project is focused on Multi-Family- Apartment- Buildings (MFABs). There are installations of 4 plug-in PV systems foreseen, 2 intended for the common space in 2 different buildings, and 2 will be installed in 2 separate apartments. 

Steps and challenges of the implementation of SUNRISE project in North Macedonia

HFHM tries to layout, point out and recommend solutions to the challenges that one household in a MFAB can face when installing a plug-in PV system and challenges that HFHM faces during the project implementation. So far, the challenges are:

• legislative barriers,
• costs for permits and projects adding up higher than the plug-in PV system itself,
• need for changing the electricity meter, and
• finding suitable building and apartment for pilot project.

In North Macedonia every PV installation needs a project for architecture, statics and electricity from private company, an application for the permit of installing the PV and for the change of meters by the distribution company/grid operator, an application for deployment of the PV and a written notice about the PV installation sent to the municipality.

According to the EU directive 206/632 on energy end-use efficiency and energy services, all PV systems that have installed capacity of 0,8 kW or below are not considered significant for the grid and the utility circuit, so nor upfront registration with the grid operator, nor municipal permit would be needed. However, the North Macedonian by-law Rulebook on renewable energy sources oblige every prosumer to register their system and start a process for PV system installation.

PV installation faces many difficulties

The start of the process for PV installation permit begins with basic project preparation including architectural and electric schemes of the building/ apartment. When it comes to connecting the PVs on the common meter of the building (measuring common lightning, elevators and pumps) basic project of the whole building architecture and electric circuit is needed, and when a particular apartment is in question, then again basic project for the whole building architecture and scheme of the electric circuit of the apartment is needed. In many cases the costs of the project surpass the costs of the plug-in PV system itself, making the whole investment unfavorable. 

In addition to the permit for installation of PV, in parallel a process for changing the meters needs to take place. In general, all meters by default are one-way meters. For using the full capacity of a plug-in PV system, and implementing the concept of prosumers, two-way meters are needed. 

However, in the Rulebook of RES, it is stated that installed RES capacities for electricity production up to 6 kW need to be registered, without indicating the starting margin, which gives a bit free space for interpretation. When a plug-in PV system has integrated smart microinverter that communicates and coordinates the current energy consumption and energy production, technically change of meter won´t be needed. In this case the household is not feeding the public electric grid with exes of the produced energy, so it is not considered as prosumer, meaning no additional projects needed. However, legally this is still a grey area.

Photo: The Housing Initiative for Eastern Europe (IWO)

Last, but not the least, the selection of buildings and apartments has to be done carefully. In the framework of the project, this process takes into account three aspects: technical, societal and the willingness of residents to cooperate. The selection of the buildings and apartments is done with close cooperation with the piloting municipalities Karposh and Bitola, as well as with building management companies. Experience shows that the bigger buildings are keener on cooperation, comprising different societal level, but technically are challenging for implementation (the project preparation is more complicated, with a lot of sockets and nodes, one building can have multiple meters with different purposes, or different levels of the connecting power on the grid, challenge in matching the right power outlet with the meter etc.). In ideal case the apartment in which the plug-in PV system would be in the same building as the plug-in PV system connects to the common meter since no additional architectural project will be needed. However, this can cause some discomfort among the neighbours in the building that are homeowners in most of the cases and are in charge of the common spaces and utilities together. 

Outlook

Overall, the solar potential in North Macedonia is far greater than in many countries in the EU, but the degree of utilization according to installed capacities is far lower. The SUNRISE project seeks to fill in this gap, by supporting the tenants in MFABs, and tries to influence the general policies by lobbying for fewer rules when it comes to plug-in PV systems and their broader usage.

Cover photo: The Housing Initiative for Eastern Europe (IWO)

The European Union is at the forefront of a transformative shift in renewable energy financing, navigating a complex landscape shaped by public investment initiatives and private market dynamics. As the EU pursues its climate ambitions, the marriage of innovative policies, emerging technologies, and strategic investments has motivated significant developments in renewable energy. 

This report identifies the renewable energy financial products and services available to prosumers in three target countries: Lithuania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. These countries, each at different stages of their renewable energy journey, showcase the diversity within the EU framework. North Macedonia, advancing towards EU accession, is aligning its renewable energy policies with EU standards and benefits from a relatively vibrant financing environment for residential renewable energy installation, albeit with high borrowing costs. Lithuania, a leader in residential energy upgrading, boasts a robust environment for the deep retrofitting and renovating of multi-family apartment buildings alongside its renewable energy investments. Bulgaria has organized €1.1B in support for energy renovations of residential and public buildings, although private financing for consumer-level residential energy installation is currently limited to two commercial banks. Against European trends, the individual financing environments of these three countries, summarized in this document, contribute significantly to the collective EU narrative in renewable energy innovation and adaptation.

Read the full report prepared by Habitat for Humanity International Europe and the Middle East.

The project SUNRISE aims to support local organizations in Bulgaria, Lithuania and North Macedonia in initiating the expansion of solar energy projects through exchange of experience and knowledge sharing. It will identify barriers on the national and local level and develop solutions for multi-family buildings. The relatively low-threshold approach of plug-in PV-modules will raise apartment owners’ and tenants’ awareness of the solar potential and initiate larger installations in the medium term. 

In the long-term, SUNRISE will enable self-consumption and putting consumers at the heart of the low-carbon transition for unleashing private investment in RE, creating a potentially cost-effective strategy to meet renewable energy and emissions reductions targets. Citizens becoming prosumers will lead to financial, environmental and security benefits for households and society at large. Benefits from using self-generated electricity include cheaper energy bills, energy autonomy, reduced carbon emissions and the creation of new local jobs. Small-scale installations will make people aware that they can collectively have a large impact on energy transition and carbon emissions reduction.

What is a plug-in PV system and what are the advantages of using it?

Discover the answers by watching a video created by the EUKI project SUNRISE – Prosumer Solar Energy. This project is being implemented by Habitat Bulgaria in collaboration with the lead organization, Initiative for Housing in Eastern Europe (IWO), and partners including the Lithuanian Consumers Alliance (LCA), Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), the German Solar Energy Society (DGS), and Habitat Macedonia. The project's primary objective is to address and overcome barriers hindering the adoption by households in multi-family residential buildings of renewable energy, with a specific focus on solar energy.

The project advocates for the implementation of tools that facilitate and incentivize households to adopt plug-in PV systems. This includes the introduction of net metering for energy production and consumption on an annual basis. The project aims to contribute to the European Union's ambitious targets of achieving a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and attaining carbon neutrality by 2050. Its importance is  evident in the current context, where soaring energy prices put an emphasis on  utilizing renewable energy for electricity generation, even at the household level.

European Climate Initiative (EUKI) Project SUNRISE Partners Convene in Berlin to Advance Plug-in PV Systems Initiatives in Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Lithuania

BERLIN – [October 10-11, 2023] –  In the pursuit of sustainable living, the partners of the European Climate Initiative (EUKI) Project SUNRISE recently gathered in Berlin for a collaborative meeting aimed at discussing project progress, planning future steps, and engaging in a workshop organized by the Initiative SoLocal Energy from Kassel (GER). The workshop was dedicated to exploring every aspect of Plug-in PV systems technology, leaving no stone unturned in the quest for sustainable energy solutions. 

In an increasingly eco-conscious world, the SUNRISE project is taking a step forward in the journey toward a sustainable future. Led by the Housing Initiative for Eastern Europe (IWO) and supported by partners from Habitat Bulgaria, Lithuanian Consumers Alliance (LCA), Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), German Solar Energy Company (DGS), and Habitat Macedonia, the project focuses on increasing the use of renewable energy in the residential sector through a PROSUMER approach – empowering individual homeowners or tenants to become both energy producers and consumers.

In the heart of the project lies the ambition to promote Plug-in PV systems technology through pilot projects in the target countries of Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Lithuania. In these nations, small-scale investments in Plug-in PV systems offer an accessible and cost-effective alternative to large, expensive energy efficiency measures for buildings. These initiatives empower residents and property owners to actively contribute to climate protection while lightening the burden on their wallets, addressing the issue of energy poverty in the process.

During the workshop the project partners have encountered unique challenges in their respective countries, including varying technical requirements and conditions. For instance, differences in electricity meters that count energy fed into the grid as consumption pose a hurdle. Despite these challenges, the partners received valuable demonstrations on various technical aspects, from electrical configurations to balcony mounting options. Gratitude was expressed to Arvid Jasper for his enlightening explanations, guiding the partners through these complexities.

During a site visit to the ufaFabrik, the partners explored additional avenues for sustainable urban development, including rooftop solar systems, green roofs, green facades, and rainwater harvesting (RWH). Marco Schmidt, a dedicated pioneer from the Technical University of Berlin, shared insights into the site's evolution and showcased the impact of these initiatives through compelling statistics and figures. Standing amidst green rooftops and solar panels, the partners experienced firsthand the transformative potential of such areas, recognizing their vital role in enhancing urban life and elevating quality of life in cities.

For more information about the SUNRISE Project, please visit ➡ http://www.sunriseproject.hfh.bg/en/ 

About EUKI:

This project is part of the European Climate Initiative (EUKI). EUKI is a project financing instrument by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). The EUKI competition for project ideas is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. It is the overarching goal of the EUKI to foster climate cooperation within the European Union (EU) in order to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

What is a plug-in PV system and what are the advantages of using it?

Discover the answers by exploring a gallery of six infographics created by the EUKI project SUNRISE – Prosumer Solar Energy. This project is being implemented by Habitat Bulgaria in collaboration with the lead organization, Initiative for Housing in Eastern Europe (IWO), and partners including the Lithuanian Consumers Alliance (LCA), Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), the German Solar Energy Society (DGS), and Habitat Macedonia. The project's primary objective is to address and overcome barriers hindering the adoption by households in multi-family residential buildings of renewable energy, with a specific focus on solar energy.

In Bulgaria, the adoption of photovoltaic systems for balconies and facades with a plug-in socket (Plug-in photovoltaic with installed power up to 800W) remains less popular when compared to Western European countries, where an increasing number of households are embracing this technology. These photovoltaic systems offer a cost-effective solution with substantial potential to educate citizens about the benefits of utilizing solar energy. They can serve as an incentive for individuals to consider installing higher capacity solar energy systems in residential buildings.

The project advocates for the implementation of tools that facilitate and incentivize households to adopt plug-in PV systems. This includes the introduction of net metering for energy production and consumption on an annual basis. The project aims to contribute to the European Union's ambitious targets of achieving a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and attaining carbon neutrality by 2050. Its importance is  evident in the current context, where soaring energy prices put an emphasis on  utilizing renewable energy for electricity generation, even at the household level.

6. What are the advantages of the solar plug-in module? Is it feasible for me?

*south / *east

By connecting a solar module to the grid, you make your personal contribution to the energy transition. Mini solar systems typically produce enough electricity to cover a significant portion of the base load on sunny days and of the peak household load during midday hours.

A single standard 380 watt solar module installed on a south-facing balcony with no shading provides around 280 kWh of electricity per year. This reduces your electricity consumption by about the same amount, as if you could have used the electricity directly in your household.

This energy volume is roughly comparable to the annual energy utilization of a fridge and a laundry machine in a household of two individuals. At an average electricity price of 33 euro cents, this results in annual savings of around EUR 66.

A single standard solar plug-in module usually costs in the EUR 350 and EUR 600 range. Due to very high demand and components supply chain disruptions, prices are significantly higher in certain cases. In contrast, however, household electricity costs have also increased significantly in recent months.

The module yield, hence its cost-effectiveness, depends on a range of diverse factors. These include the cost of purchase, optimizing module solar exposure, and current costs of electricity from the utility provider. It's particularly advantageous to have the vertical fitting on the outside of the balcony railing, facing from southwest to southeast, devoid of any shading. Vertical placement reduces peaks of unusable production in summer and increases usable yields in winter.

For a location in Germany with average sunshine times, you can estimate the cost-effectiveness of a solar module using a Solar Plug-in Simulator HTW Berlin evaluation.

Not only are you reducing your energy bills, but you're benefiting the environment. The minisolar system saves about 2.5 tonnes of CO₂ emissions over 20 years. 

Unsuitable locations for installation:

• behind the balcony railing, in the balcony niche;
• on the wall below the upstairs balcony;
• Places in the shade of trees, light poles, or adjacent buildings.

Permanent, or even partial shade, or module contamination can lead to a reduction in yield that is significantly more noticeable than with a PV system. You should, therefore, regularly check and clean the module .

7. Is there a subsidy for plug-in solar module connection to the power grid?

Increasingly, municipalities, individual federal provinces and regional unions are supporting solar modules for connection to the grid through subsidies. Additionally, grid operators and electricity providers are progressively facilitating this application by streamlining the registration process and fostering, rather than obstructing, the adoption of such systems. Be careful! Subsidies often have prerequisites, such as the use of a special power socket, inspection of the electrical installation by an electrician, or covering the costs of a new electricity meter. To avoid issues with subsidies, please ensure these points are covered. 

When solar modules are integrated into the grid system, the feed-in tariff imposed by the Renewable Energy Act typically doesn't apply. If, for example, a solar module produces 500 kWh of electricity per year and 150 kWh of this goes into the grid, this means a feed-in tariff of around EUR 12 per year. This is countered by the regular but disproportionately high meter reading and billing costs.

8. Where do I need to register a grid plug-in solar device?

In Regulation 2016/631, the European Union classifies small generators below 800 watts as “insignificant” as they “have no systemic importance”. However, German grid operators require that all power plants be registered with them, regardless of output capacity. However, the activity is not dependent on the permit. They have included this requirement in the relevant regulation (application rule VDE-AR-N 4105). A simplified form is provided for AC generators up to 600 watts, which includes grid plug-in solar modules, as per our definition. Completing this form does not require an electrician; you could do it yourself, if you use a plug-in solar module.

Many grid operators provide simplified forms on their website, and some send them upon request. Some even offer easy online registration. The registration must be accompanied by a data sheet of the inverter used, showing that the device meets the requirements for connection to the grid (declaration of conformity).

Some manufacturers of balcony modules offer to assist with the registration process.

Although it is disputed whether grid-connected solar modules are “installations” at all, at least insofar as these systems do not have a fixed connection but are plugged into the electrical circuit via a plug, same as household appliances, the Federal Network Agency also requires registration with the Market Data Master Registry.

This means that currently 2 registrations are required, One with the local grid operator and one with the Federal Network Agency. It is important for both these registrations to have identical technical data, i.e. power or date of commissioning, as this data is aligned and compared in the background.

These registrations offer no advantages to consumers, they only create bureaucratic obstacles. As a grid plug-in solar module is formally also a grid-connected PV system, registrations are required. A fine may be imposed for failure to register on the Market Master Data Registry.

Instructions: If you already have a roof photovoltaic system, which is older than 12 months, and the power generated by it is partially used in the household, the solar plug-in module is considered an additional new system. If not installed on the same roof (facing the same direction and at the same slope), the grid operator will most likely require an additional electricity meter. Under these circumstances, the operation of the solar plug-in module becomes unprofitable. Registration of the solar module with the grid operator and the Market Master Data Registry as an extension of the existing installation is only permissible if the rooftop installation was commissioned less than a year ago.

9. Do I need a new electricity meter?

Even if solar modules are designed for self-consumption and not to feed the grid, electricity can still flow into the grid. Technically this is not an issue, and it is allowed if you use inverters that meet the standard.

Due to the solar module plug in, conventional meters with mechanical rotating pulleys (Ferrari meters) may start operating in reverse, as these meters are not equipped with a limiter. Therefore, in this case, the grid operator, as the operator of the main metering point, substitutes the conventional meter with a modern electronic meter, which is also known as modern metering equipment (mME).

These meters are available in two versions: One-way meters continue to measure only electricity consumed and do not read back when electricity is fed into the grid. The (small) excess power is not measured with this meter option.

The second option is a bidirectional meter. These are, technically, the same meters, but they are programmed to separately record and display both metering directions – the electricity drawn from the grid and the electricity fed back into the grid. Such meters are also used for photovoltaic systems with surplus energy.

Lawmakers anticipate that in the upcoming years all current electric meters in Germany will be superseded with such sophisticated meters under the initiative known as the Introduction of Smart Meters. 

The electricity grid operator is not allowed to charge you for removing the old meter and installing a modern metering device instead. This is because the Meter Operation Act provides that the cost of installing and removing meters must now be contained in the annual metering charge. Many grid operators agree to waive the meter bill as soon as a solar module is registered.

If modern metering equipment is installed, the annual metering costs can rise to the statutory maximum of EUR 20 per year.

Ensure that your chosen power utility company or the main power utility company does not double-charge you for metering costs as part of the basic electricity purchase price.

10. What do I need to know when buying?

You should only buy devices that are ready to plug in.

On a technical note, it is really important that the inverter included in the set has a declaration of conformity according to VDE AR 4105, as this is the only way to use it in the power grid. Also, ensure that the inverter is limited to a maximum power output (alternating current) of 600 watts (AC). Solar modules may have higher power output.

In some cases, for example, companies sell devices with open cable ends without connecting plugs. Obviously, customers then have to install the plug themselves.

This is how manufacturers let the buyer shoulder the responsibility for final product implementation. Legally, however, this can only be done by a qualified electrician, not someone without specialist knowledge. The same is true for socket replacement: This should also be carried out formally by a qualified electrician.

Consumer Centers recommends, when purchasing, that you make sure solar module manufacturers have complied with the DGS safety standard (DGS 0001:2019-10) for connection to the grid. A product standard for grid-connected solar modules is expected in 2024. It is currently under development.

Mini solar systems, also referred to as balcony power plants, can sometimes be purchased from local specialized photovoltaic dealers. However, most offers are available in specialist online stores. An overview of the markets on this topic can be found on these websites:

• PV Magazine (Photovoltaics Trade Magazine)
• Pvplug.de (German Solar Energy Society)

In the meantime, deals are also available in discount stores or electronics markets. However, they are usually much more expensive than specialist commercial offers, and the advice and choice within them is quite limited. Ensure that the quotations are technically comprehensive and include substructure, as an example.

If all the requirements are met, you can turn on the device yourself. Assistance can be found in specific areas from DIY workshops conducted by community energy cooperatives or different initiatives, as well as from local residents who have prior experience with solar panels.

11. How do I know if it works and what its effectiveness is?

Solar modules or modular inverters themselves do not directly indicate functionality or current performance. Inverters sometimes have an LED that signals certain operating states by flashing or glowing. However, this is not enough to determine whether the device operates properly and what its performance is.

Some inverters include a power measurement that you can read and save using an external auxiliary device. This can also be done through an online connection to a web portal, similar to photovoltaic systems (monitoring). Then energy output can be partially metered through a mobile device. 

If the appliance is connected to the outlet via a Schuko plug – provided this is allowed for the appliance you purchased – you can use a commercially available meter to plug in between the outlet and the refrigerator to determine power consumption. Many of these devices can also measure in reverse, thus they are also suitable as a power generation meter for a solar module.

Smart sockets operate on the very same principle; they can be switched on and off via WLAN from the router or from the smart home controls, and they often include energy metering.

Both meters and smart sockets are not yet available for connection via the so-called special connector Wieland. In this case, a small electronic device can be installed in the socket to collect the data. These electronics also measure the electric current flow and sends the data via Bluetooth or WLAN to the internet router or smartphone.

When solar modules and inverters have reached the end of their lifecycle, you can take them to your local recycling center or point of sale for disposal and recycling.

Checklist: Step by step to the solar plug-in module

1. Are local conditions suitable for connecting a solar plug-in module? Does this site have maximum solar exposure?
2. Are the installation site, socket and circuit state-of-the-art?
3. Does the landlord or the community of owners agree?
4. Do potential restrictions exist under building or statutory law, as an example due to listed building regulations, in the case of an old town center or top glazing?
5. What are the requirements of the network operator and the potential subsidizing authority?
6. Did you find the right offer to meet all of your requirements? (equipment, price/quality, delivery, installation and connection, DGS safety standard/standard for future devices)
7. Have you considered monitoring in order to check effectiveness?
8. Do you have experts on hand or a local DIY group to turn to when in doubt?
9. Is everything clear with the registration and required meter change?

This content has been prepared by the North Rhine-Westphalia and Rheinland-Pfalz consumer advice centers for the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (VZBV).

Source: Steckersolar: Solarstrom vom Balkon direkt in die Steckdose