SolarCentre Berlin

Project period

October 2018 until December 2026

Project management

DGS - LV Berlin Brandenburg e.V.

Funding organisations

Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises

Project description

Project objective:
The aim of the SolarCentre is to work with Berliners to develop the capital into a solar city. The SolarCentre wants to help increase the rate of expansion of solar systems, tap into previously unconsidered potential, remove barriers to use and highlight sector coupling potential. The advice centre provides investors with an overview of their options and offers from regional tradespeople, architects and engineers.

What does the SolarCentre offer?
On-site inspections are used to analyse the potential and suitability of buildings for solar systems and to propose concepts. Assistance is provided for planning solar systems not only for individuals, but also for setting up tenant electricity models for apartment blocks. The practical basic consultation is free of charge for citizens and provides an overview of the expansion and financing options.

The SolarZentrum organises workshops and expert groups to discuss technical developments, usage and funding opportunities with tradespeople, engineers, architects and other interested experts. Information events can also be booked for various target groups. In addition, the SolarCentre is also a contact point for migrants to obtain further training in the field of solar energy. The SolarZentrum Berlin is not in competition with local companies, but works closely with them and provides lists of the relevant providers.

Background:
The SolarCentre is operated by the Berlin Brandenburg regional association of the German Solar Energy Society (DGS) and is funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises. The solar advice centre is an element of the Solarcity master plan, which is being implemented as part of the Berlin Energy and Climate Protection Programme (BEK) 2030. The BEK 2030 programme stipulates that a strong expansion of renewable energies in the city is essential in order to achieve the overarching goal of climate neutrality by 2045.

Due to the urban character of Berlin, the widespread use of hydropower, wind power and biomass as renewable energy sources is hardly possible. Solar energy therefore plays a decisive role in the provision of electricity and heat in the city. Berlin does indeed have great potential for the use of photovoltaics and solar thermal energy on roofs and façades.

In order to increase the use of renewable energies in Berlin, it is crucial to reach interested stakeholders from a wide range of target groups. Information on the technology, possible applications and potential must be made available at a low threshold. Anyone thinking about whether the use or operation of solar systems is an option should be able to easily access information about the possibilities and the necessary steps.

The need for information and the great potential of solar energy led to the founding of the SolarZentrum Berlin: an independent, product- and manufacturer-neutral solar advice centre for the capital.