In a noteworthy development, the Zeleni Hrastnik energy cooperative, founded in 2022 with support from the Municipality of Hrastnik and non-governmental organization Focus, has successfully inaugurated a substantial 300 kW photovoltaic (PV) plant. According to Focus, a prominent non-governmental organization in Slovenia, this photovoltaic facility stands as one of the largest in the prosumer category within the country.
Situated atop a school building, this rooftop solar power installation is poised to provide energy to various entities, including 16 apartments in the nearby residential area, the municipality building, the school itself, a swimming pool, a small business space, and two private firms.
The collaborative effort between the Zeleni Hrastnik energy cooperative, the Municipality of Hrastnik, and Focus underscores a community-driven model for renewable energy. Kisik, a leading solar energy solutions provider, was responsible for the technical implementation of the project.
Financing for the PV system was secured through a collective effort, with 20% contributed by cooperative members, 20% from the Government of Slovenia, and the remainder obtained through a favorable loan from Slovenia’s Eco Fund (Eko Sklad).
Highlighting the inclusive nature of the project, Focus emphasized the cooperative model, where 17 individuals, two firms, and the municipality are all members of the Zeleni Hrastnik energy cooperative. This collective ownership structure ensures that all members not only co-own the solar power plant but also benefit from the electricity it generates.
Over the initial thirteen years, members of the energy community can anticipate a 30% reduction in electricity bills. Once the loan is repaid, costs are expected to plummet to 65% below the initial level, covering only maintenance and operational expenses.
Focus contends that cooperatives represent an optimal model for local renewable projects, emphasizing the democratic management of joint resources, with decisions made based on the principle of one member – one vote.
The success of the Sunny School Hrastnik project has attracted interest from other local authorities. The Municipality of Ig, for instance, has initiated self-supply projects for consumers through a newly formed cooperative.
Mayor of Hrastnik, Marko Funkl, expressed confidence in the future viability of such communities, stating that municipal and societal futures are intertwined with these forward-looking initiatives. He encouraged others to embark on similar paths, leveraging successful practices worldwide with government and stakeholder support.
Boštjan Remić from Focus acknowledged the challenges overcome by project participants in establishing an energy community, emphasizing the valuable learning experiences for those considering similar endeavors. He described the Zeleni Hrastnik energy cooperative as an exemplar of a grassroots green transition.
Božidar Roglič, head of the Zeleni Hrastnik energy cooperative, highlighted that current regulatory constraints only allow consumers connected to the same substation as the elementary school to participate in the energy community. Despite this limitation, interest from other municipality residents has sparked new projects in the region.
In a related context, Serbia recently witnessed the completion of its first rooftop PV systems installed by an energy cooperative in two villages on Mt. Stara planina in August.