SUN BOX – Solar Storage in Multi-family Houses

Promoting solar systems with storage in Bulgaria, Lithuania and North Macedonia to advance decentralized renewable energy in multi-family buildings.

Multi-family buildings in Bulgaria, Lithuania and North Macedonia play a key role in national and European climate strategies, yet they remain largely excluded from renewable energy use. All three countries aim to expand renewable energy and self-consumption: Bulgaria’s National Energy and Climate Plan and Renewable Energy Act seek to increase renewable energy but provide little support for multi-family buildings. Lithuania’s National Energy Independence Strategy, Prosumers Support Program and Climate Change Management Agenda promote solar energy, storage solutions and household-level resilience. North Macedonia’s energy and climate plans, including its Strategy for Energy Development until 2040 and its Enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution, highlight the expansion of renewable energy and prosumer participation. However, regulatory barriers, missing energy-sharing frameworks and limited grid integration options restrict citizens in multi-family buildings from becoming part of the renewable energy transition.

The project removes legal, financial and technical barriers that prevent residents in multi-family buildings from using renewable energy. The team introduces plug-in photovoltaic systems with battery storage, enabling households to increase self-consumption, store surplus energy and secure backup power during outages. Together with local partners, the project develops technical standards for storage solutions, carries out pilot installations and equips 200 buildings per country with balcony solar systems. Through workshops, webinars and media outreach, the team informs tenants, homeowners, installers and policymakers about safe and efficient use of plug-in systems. The project also works closely with decision-makers to improve regulations, promote energy sharing and simplify grid integration processes. By demonstrating practical solutions, SUN BOX strengthens acceptance, increases adoption of small-scale solar systems and supports the shift toward decentralized renewable energy in all three countries.

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