In Starrkirch-Wil in the canton of Solothurn, several community members own one solar power system. The joint project also allows community members who do not have their own roof to invest in solar energy by purchasing individual panels.
A photovoltaic boom has developed in the municipality of Starrkirch-Wil. Private individuals build solar power systems on their roofs, while the community builds its own system on the building by the school. The flagship project, however, is a solar power system with public participation on the town hall “Jurablick”.
This means that residents of Starrkirch-Wil can participate financially in the project and receive annual credits for their electricity as a result. The initiative is particularly attractive for those whose roof is unsuitable for their own photovoltaic system: This allows them to invest in renewable energies.
“I think that’s a great idea. Why shouldn’t I participate?”
Verena Leuenberger, resident of Starrkirch-Wil and owner of 25 panels
Expansion of the citizen solar power systems
Verena Leuenberger lives near the school building and found out about the idea at the information event in September 2019. She then discovered more about the project and decided to invest in the citizen solar power system. “I don’t get any interest at the bank any more,” she says. So it makes sense to use the money for this project: Verena Leuenberger straight away bought 25 panels at CHF 649 each. For each panel, she receives an annual credit for environmentally friendly solar power for 25 years, enabling her to make her own energy consumption more environmentally friendly.
Credit for solar power
160 kWh per panel is credited to the electricity bill every year for 25 years (80% peak, 20% off-peak). This pays off. Solar power costs 16.1 cents/kWh compared to a solar power subscription of 19.2 cents/kWh.
Ms Leuenberger is not the only one who believes in the citizen solar power system. Major Christian Bachofner explains: “After a short time all the panels had been taken, so we started a second round and expanded the project.” Residents were thus able to buy more panels at the “Jurablick.” A total of 160 photovoltaic panels are now installed on the roof of the town hall.
“I am delighted that the photovoltaic project has been so popular”.
Christian Bachofner, Major of Starrkirch-Wil
Solar power for all
The municipal council was delighted that all the panels were sold so quickly. It's good to see that this initiative is a move towards renewable energy in the village, says Major Christian Bachofner. The municipality of Starrkirch-Wil can meet the range of needs of its inhabitants. Even those who do not have a suitable roof can also participate in the shared solar power system.
“I was impressed that the project was implemented within a year.”
Joe Birchmeier, resident of Starrkirch-Wil and owner of 15 panels
It took just one year for the project to be completed. Joe Birchmeier, owner of 15 panels, is thrilled. He already has a heat pump for his house and wants to continue investing in sustainable energy. However, as his roof is oriented from east to west and is therefore unsuitable for his own solar system, he decided to join the citizen solar system.
“The solar system promotes a sense of community among the people of Starrkirch-Wil.”
Fynn Holm, resident of Starrkirch-Wil
Buy solar panels from the Primeo Energie shop
Christa Peier was also enthusiastic about the idea of a publicly funded solar system early on. She found the Primeo Energie information event to be useful and positive. Completing the next steps and purchasing the panels via the Primeo Energie online shop was easy.
“For me as a condominium owner, the citizen solar system is the most efficient way to make a contribution.”
Christa Peier, resident of Starrkirch-Wil
Another positive effect is that the municipality of Starrkirch-Wil sets a good example and supports its residents with sustainable energy, says Peier. The general mood among the population shows that most people hope other municipalities will follow suit with similar projects and thus keep the momentum from Starrkirch-Wil.