This question is often asked by co-owners or tenants of flats. In theory, this is perfectly possible, although in practice it can sometimes be a little more difficult to implement.
Installing solar panels in apartment buildings is now entirely feasible. While it requires careful organisation and some negotiation within the owners' association, new solutions like energy sharing mean it is increasingly worth the effort. These modern frameworks ensure the investment is more profitable and accessible for every resident.
There are 2 main options available:
All co-owners participate
This is the simplest solution and is interesting when a reasonable amount of electricity is needed for the common areas. The solar panels are connected to the common meter and the energy produced is used for the lift, garages, lighting, corridors, etc. This reduces the electricity costs for all residents.
In practice
The co-owners each contribute to a communal fund. This money is used to finance the installation work. Of course, everything must be settled in detail with the building manager or the Co-owners' Association. The co-ownership regulations will also need to be amended.
Does the installation produce more solar energy than you consume? Any surplus electricity fed into the grid can be sold back to an energy supplier or, even better, shared among the various residents. The proceeds from the sale of green certificates are also paid into this fund.
This income will be used to finance other work. The co-owners must agree on the distribution of profits and have this included in the co-ownership regulations.
Don't forget
Bear in mind that installing solar panels requires a smart meter. Don't have one yet? Request one from your network operator. If you live in Brussels, contact Sibelga.
An alternative: financing by a third party
The installation can also be financed by a third-party investor. This is a possible solution if not all co-owners agree on the investment. In exchange, the green energy certificates go to the third-party investor. This solution is therefore slightly less attractive in the long term.
Participate in energy sharing
Solar panels often produce more energy than is needed. Instead of feeding the surplus into the grid, you can easily share it in the same building. Energy sharing can be done on a voluntary basis at an agreed price. It's a win-win for everyone. The co-owners recoup their investment more quickly and all residents enjoy sustainable energy at a lower cost.
Some of the co-owners participate
In this case, separate solar panels are installed for one or more dwellings. Participants receive the energy produced on their own meter and thus reduce their personal consumption. Individual installations can be adapted to the needs and means of each dwelling.
In practice
Each co-owner must have a smart meter and a customised electrical connection. This solution is therefore quite complex from a technical standpoint and also more expensive.
The participating co-owners finance the investment and decide together how much of the electricity generated each will receive. They must also obtain the agreement of the co-ownership association and set out the conditions of use of the roof in a contract.
Model contracts at hand
On the Brussels Environment website, you will find a number contracts for the use of shared roofs for the installation of solar panels.
Which solution to choose?
For co-owned properties, it is often easier to opt for an installation that supplies the common areas of the building. This way, everyone benefits from the solar installation through lower common energy costs.
However, this only covers a small part of the total energy consumption. If you want to use the energy production as efficiently as possible, it is interesting to share energy with all residents.
Generating energy individually? It's possible!
Don't have the freedom to install a large system on your roof? If you're a tenant, for example, Plug & Play solar panels are a smart solution for your terrace, balcony or façade. but often more than enough to cover your standby consumption or or power a few devices such as a modem or television.
Please note: Here also, you must have the explicit consent of your landlord or the co-ownership association before installation. You must also take into account urban planning regulations.