Tenant Power: Solar Panels Promise Up to 40% Cheaper Electricity
Tenants across Germany could soon enjoy cheaper electricity, thanks to a new initiative called 'tenant power'. This innovative concept involves installing solar panels on apartment building roofs to generate electricity for residents. The energy research institutes behind this project, including the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, aim to make tenant power up to 40 percent cheaper than the basic supply tariff.
The potential is vast. Solar panels on apartment building roofs could supply 20.4 million tenants with clean, renewable energy. Moreover, tenant power increases independence from fluctuating electricity market prices. However, several obstacles currently hinder its widespread adoption. These include complex measurement and billing requirements, the slow rollout of smart meters, and voluntary tenant participation.
To overcome these challenges, standardization and digitization of switching and measurement processes are being explored. Dynamic electricity tariffs based on solar power generation could further increase cost savings for tenants. Tenants using solar power from their building not only benefit financially but also contribute to the energy transition and climate protection. Around 3.1 million buildings nationwide are suitable for installing tenant power plants, which could reduce grid fees, electricity tax, and other charges.
The tenant power initiative, backed by leading energy research institutes, promises significant savings for tenants. By harnessing solar power from their buildings, tenants could reduce their electricity costs by up to 40 percent. With standardization and digitization efforts underway, tenant power could become a reality, benefiting both tenants and the environment.
