Powering Homes with Solar Energy

As climate change continues to impact our planet, transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar power (PV) has never been more urgent. Not only do these sources help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they also enhance energy independence. 

This is where the SUNRISE project comes in. 

Funded by the European Climate Initiative (EUKI), the project is focused on supporting the deployment of solar power installations in multi-family buildings across North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Lithuania. Running from 01.11.2022 to 30.04.2025, the project is led by Initiative for Housing in Eastern Europe (IWO) in partnership with Habitat Bulgaria, Lithuanian Consumers Alliance (LCA), Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), German Solar Energy Company (DGS), and Habitat Macedonia.

By overcoming key barriers, SUNRISE is making it easier for communities to embrace cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.

Why Solar Energy?  

Switching to solar power isn’t just good for the environment—it can also help families save money on energy bills and become more energy independent. However, despite its benefits, many people face significant challenges when trying to install solar panels in their apartment buildings. These include:  

• High upfront costs
• Complicated legal and bureaucratic processes
• Lack of clear information and support
• Concerns about maintenance and long-term reliability

The SUNRISE project aims to break down these barriers by promoting plug-in photovoltaic (PV) systems, which are easy to install and require minimal effort from homeowners. It also advocates for net metering, allowing households to sell excess electricity back to the grid—helping them save even more.  

What Have We Learned from the research in North Macedonia

To understand how to best support homeowners, a team of researchers conducted surveys, interviews, and focus groups with residents and homeowner associations in Skopje and Bitola. The findings were both encouraging and eye-opening:  

• People Want Solar Energy – 75% of those surveyed said they were aware of solar power, and 72% would invest in it if financial barriers were reduced.
• Money Is a Major Concern – 68% cited high upfront costs as the biggest challenge, and only 21% felt financially secure enough to make the investment without outside help.
• The Legal Process Is Complicated – 64% of people in apartment buildings said getting approval from all residents was difficult, slowing down the transition to renewable energy.
• Better Information Is Needed – Over half (55%) of participants were unaware of existing financial aid options, like subsidies and low-interest loans.
• Maintenance Worries People – 51% of respondents were hesitant to invest because they were unsure about long-term maintenance and repair costs.  

The Path Forward  

To make solar energy more accessible, the SUNRISE project recommends:  

• Increasing financial support – Expanding subsidies and creating low-interest loans to help with the initial cost.
• Simplifying legal procedures – Making it easier for residents in apartment buildings to install solar systems without excessive paperwork.
• Boosting public awareness – Running information campaigns so people understand how solar energy works and where to get financial support.
• Ensuring long-term maintenance – Setting up reliable services for installation, repairs, and upkeep.  

With the right support, North Macedonia can start helping families reduce energy costs, protect the environment, and achieve greater energy independence.  

The SUNRISE project is working on cleaner, greener future.