How cities can promote solar energy among their residents

Did you know that by 2030 solar is expected to become the biggest renewable energy source in the world? Or that between 2010 and today, Europe went from just 15 to over 350 GW power installed?

While solar PV is a powerful source for people to secure their energy needs at an affordable cost, and cities to progress towards their climate goals, there are still some challenges to overcome at the local level, to fully exploit its potential.

Luckily, many of our member cities have adopted solutions that can be replicated by your local government as well!

Limited rooftop space? Energy sharing to the rescue!

Not all residents have available rooftop to install their own solar panels. Municipalities can make their unused land and roof space available to deploy solar and share the energy generated with the people and businesses in the surrounding areas. By collaborating with local energy communities, such energy can reach even more residents, and the entire community can be mobilised around the benefit of renewables.

Have a look at what is done in Strasbourg (France) and if you are looking for communities to use municipal space for their RES installations, what about checking this Matchmaking Tool?

Sometimes, it is not possible or financially convenient for a person or a business to install solar panels. Luckily, many options are available to finance such installations with the support of the municipality or the local energy agency: from “sale and lease back” systems (like they do in Vienna), to crowdfunding for solar or creating joint community energy projects.

Check how Krizevci is leading solar energy production in Croatia

Misinformation or lack of awareness? Solar maps and One Stop Shops!                                                                            

When it comes to energy, people have a lot of questions and doubts. Inaccurate information is often shared via social media and even mainstream communication outlets. That’s why many cities decided to act as a single contact point via their own energy one stop shops, or to provide solar maps to visualise  the potential and answer the most common questions. Some of our members like Valencia (Spain) with their district energy offices, and Poreč (Croatia) with the local Sunny Office are showing the way.

If you want to learn more about solar solutions deployed by municipalities all over Europe, have a look at the Solar Cities report!

This year, Energy Cities is partnering with over 80 organizations across Europe to celebrate Solar Day on June 21st! Join us in celebrating European Solar Day and explore how solar energy is powering our life in the “Solar Facts Guide”. Visit www.solarday.org and search for #EuropeanSolarDay on social media.