Lithuania’s solar scene has achieved another milestone in solar energy generation, by offering a remote solar consumer platform to its residents. The project is unique as it gives an opportunity to buy or rent a remote solar panel through one online platform. As the world needs faster and more efficient ways to generate renewable energy, online platforms like ‘Solar Community’ could be a life-changing solution.
The online platform enables consumers to purchase solar energy generated in remote solar parks. New opportunities for residents of apartments appeared as the Lithuanian Ministry of Energy introduced the new law to install solar plants on 1 October 2019. Residents now can produce and consume electricity for their own use in geographically different places. The buyer calculates how much energy a household uses and then accordingly buys a part of remotely generated power. Capacities range from 1 kW to 10 kW and feed the electricity produced into the grid to cover their household needs later.
Andrius Terskovas, managing partner and chief business development officer of Sun Investment Group, explained why they chose this concept and how it benefits consumers: “The world is eager to contribute to clean energy generation and switch to solar energy. But eagerness is not enough – at this point, we have to act quickly and come up with more efficient solutions. The Lithuanian market was suitable to start our project. Recently, Lithuania – in pursuit of the EU energy plans – passed amendments stating that everyone has the right to generate and use renewable energy sources from remote solar power plants.”
Terskovas added that it does not only help Lithuania to move towards climate neutrality, but it’s also a practical way for citizens to save money, “An average Lithuanian household needs a 2-3kW power solar panel. So within a year of using a 2kW solar panel, a household would save approximately €190, around 930 trees, and reduce CO2 emission by 37 tons. Of course, the return depends on a panel’s size and whether you rent or buy it, but the results are evident.”
‘Solar Community’ is an example of how governments and organisations can include more individual and private consumers to contribute to clean energy transition. Businesses can also use the new remote model. With these changes, it’s expected that the popularity of solar energy will increase, encouraging other countries to follow Lithuania’s example.
