Intersolar Europe sheds light on the potential of tenant solar power models

Today, it is primarily homeowners who benefit from installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their roofs. New models, however, intend for tenants to also share in what is known as the direct power concept and, in turn, take part in the urban energy transition.

This topic will therefore be under the spotlight at Intersolar Europe, the world’s leading exhibition for the solar industry and its partners, which will be held from May 31–June 2, 2017 in Munich.

Urban areas, in particular, are seen as having significant potential for PV expansion, potential that has remained unexploited thus far due to a lack of framework conditions and unanswered questions regarding the economic viability of tenant power. That said, the development of business models for tenant power projects is increasingly picking up speed.

According to a study commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), 3.8 million apartments could be supplied with tenant power.

The German Solar Association (BSW-Solar) also estimates that three to four million apartments in multi-family dwellings and commercial multiple occupancy properties could be part of tenant power projects and, in the medium-term, produce some four billion kilowatt hours to be consumed on site.

The market potential of tenant power using PV systems is therefore huge, especially since it has remained largely unexploited. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has recognized this and recently published a key issues paper to also lend political support to tenant power.

The tenant power subsidy aims at ensuring that both suppliers and consumers benefit from the model in the future. The ministry is currently working on draft legislation for a direct subsidy, which is due to be passed in this legislative period. A subsidy of between 2.2 and 3.8 euro cents per kilowatt hour should be possible according to this legislation.

From niche to norm – tenant power is big business

Tenant power refers to the decentralized electricity produced on the roof of a multi-family dwelling and consumed directly on site in rented and owner-occupied apartments. This is an appealing opportunity for tenants and landlords alike.

The model can not only help to relieve power grids and reduce costs associated with the energy transition, but also creates attractive business opportunities for the energy world, both new and old.

Various stakeholders are involved in the new business model, with diverse arrangements possible between municipal utilities, energy suppliers, tenants, landlords as well as real estate companies, whose collaboration must pay off. Those involved in previous projects have already successfully shown how they can help shape the energy market with in line with the energy transition.

The advantages offered by this model are clear: Tenants and property owners can enjoy low energy prices, property values are boosted in the long term and all stakeholders play an active role in helping to protect the environment. Municipal utilities and energy suppliers can also bolster their image and benefit from customer loyalty by providing balancing power when the energy produced on site does not meet demand.

Some German states already recognize the potential offered by the model, with Hessen, North Rhine-Westphalia and Thuringia having introduced incentive programs for the new business model.

 source:http://www.solarserver.com