In the energy cooperative LauterStrom eG citizens from the Western Palatinate have joined forces to take their supply of renewable energy into their own hands. Together with the Weilerbach municipality, they have implemented their first project at a school: Since June 2016, a photovoltaic system on the roof of the Mackenbach elementary school has been supplying 100 percent environmentally friendly solar power, even beyond the school's own needs.
- Promotion: 15.745 €, about 20 % of the total cost.
- Date of promotion: 2016
- Subject of the promotionProportionate financing of a photovoltaic system on the roof of the Mackenbach elementary school as well as accompanying communication measures.
- DestinationAs a cooperative project, the PV plant enables participation in the decentralized energy transition on site. In addition, the awareness for renewable energies is strengthened among the people in the community.
The project was funded as part of the "SolidarSolar" support program by Grüner Strom Label e.V. with money from the Green Electricity Certification. The certification guarantees that for every kilowatt hour of green electricity consumed, a fixed amount of funding is invested in energy transition projects that are compatible with nature. "Solidar Solar" was one such project, with a funding volume of 200,000 euros, aimed at public welfare-oriented institutions that could apply for needs-based funding for their own photovoltaic systems, storage units and energy efficiency measures.
The solar plant consists of 214 modules with a total output of 55.64 kWpand an expected annual yield of 52,000 kWh of green electricity. Of this, around 10 % is for the school's own consumption, which can thus cover almost half of its consumption with green electricity from its own roof. The remaining electricity is fed into the grid and is roughly equivalent to the demand of 15 single-family homes. In total, the PV system saves the community more than 33 tons of CO2 annually.
The project also promotes environmental awareness among the students. A display panel incorporates the solar system on the roof into everyday school life and illustrates the connection between solar radiation, electricity production and consumption. The LauterStrom eG enables participation in the regional energy turnaround in the rural region of the Western Palatinate by building PV systems on the roofs of the municipality. Through the energy cooperative, all citizens can participate financially in the expansion of renewable energies locally. A good example of stakeholder diversity, citizen participation in the energy transition and successful cooperation between stakeholders from the region.
