Public sector
References/sources
Installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems on a public building - examples from the Primorje Gorski Kotar County (HR)
Who needs to act?
Local and regional governments
Who is affected?
Buildings' owners and users
Solution
The idea behind this initiative was to utilise the potential of both the solar energy and public buildings for the installation of photovoltaic solar systems for electricity production. Solar PV systems are increasingly being specified for installation on e.g. schools and other public buildings. The installation of solar PV panels to a school or public building provides a visible statement, an inspiration to others, reliable energy generation, and an effective way to address CO2 targets. What’s more:
- Solar PV systems generate free electricity with no carbon emissions
- Every unit of PV generated electricity qualifies for payments under the feed in tariff
- They are practicable for most buildings and result in no loss of usable building space
- Solar PV systems have no moving parts and require little maintenance
- Solar PV systems are reliable, have a predictable performance and an expected life of over 40 years
- It will save several tonnes of CO2 every year
The investments in PV installations on Primorje Gorski Kotar’s public buildings were part of a wider REA Kvarner’s initiative – a programme called Public Flat Roof Market that was intended to uptake all necessary administrative steps that would lead to setting up photovoltaic installations (10kW and 30kW) on the roofs of public buildings in the county, on a principle that the building owner or manager rents its roof to potential investors to set the PV installations. For doing that, the rented roof’s owner receives a compensation in the amount of 5-8% of the revenue generated by the investor by selling the electricity produced, which is regulated by a separate contract.
Investment
Approx. 400kEUR;
In the case of projects implemented in the Primorje Gorski Kotar, seventy five percent of the investment has been financed by the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR) while the rest has been financed by a regular commercial credit.
Return of investment
8 years
Other resources to be used
EU-, local- and national Funds dedicated to RES projects;
In Croatia: Environmental Fund loans, HBOR loans, commercial credit lines specially developed to finance environmental friendly investments
Available tools
Main project design needs to be developed and all permits acquired in accordance with the national energy law. In the case of Croatia, it means also setting up agreements between HROTE-Croatian Energy Market Operator, and buildings' owners.
Main steps of implementation
- Elaboration of a conceptual design for PV system
- Elaboration of a main design
- Acquiring the status of eligible electricity producer
- Setting up a contract with the public roof owner (if the investor is not the public building owner)
- Procurement of equipment (with reference to national public procurement regulations)
- PV system construction
- Putting the system into operation
- Electricity generation
Expected results
Financial (generates revenue for the investor), environmental (free energy from sun, non-polluting energy reduces emissions, has no direct impact on the environment) and social benefits (green jobs creation, increased knowledge and awareness).
Contribution to SEAP & indicators
Leads to energy savings in buildings; increases electricity production by renewable sources; placed on public buildings serves also for educational and awareness-raising purposes.
How to integrate in SEAP?
Can be included in a SEAP as a measure, tackling the residential, commercial and public sector.
Contribution to SUMP & indicators
Not applicable
How to integrate in SUMP?
As a next step, PV systems could be connected to charging stations for electrical vehicles, thus generating energy not only for building’s, but also other purposes.
Lessons learned
Solar PV panels can be fitted to almost any building or structure and be mounted on the roof or the ground. However, the feasibility of such projects depends on the available local/regional/national incentives for renewable energy generation.
Contacts & links
Regional Energy Agency Kvarner Ltd.
Ciottina 17b/I, HR-51000 Rijeka, Croatia
T: +385 (0)51 631 803
F: +385 (0)51 263 751
M: info@reakvarner.hr
