SUN BOX

Project period

December 2025 - April 2028

Project management

Housing Initiative for Eastern Europe (IWO e.V.)

Funding organisations

European Climate Initiative (EUKI)

Background

Apartment blocks in Bulgaria, Lithuania and North Macedonia play a key role in national and European climate strategies, but remain largely excluded from the use of renewable energy. All three countries are endeavouring to expand renewable energy and self-consumption: Bulgaria's National Energy and Climate Plan and Renewable Energy Law aim to increase the share of renewable energy, but offer little support for multi-family houses. Lithuania's national energy independence strategy, prosumer support programme and climate change management agenda promote solar energy, storage solutions and resilience at household level. North Macedonia's energy and climate plans, including the Energy Development Strategy to 2040 and the Enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution, emphasise the expansion of renewable energy and the participation of prosumers. However, regulatory barriers, a lack of framework conditions for energy sharing and limited opportunities for grid integration are preventing residents of apartment blocks from participating in the energy transition.

What is the project about?

The project breaks down legal, financial and technical barriers that prevent residents of apartment blocks from using renewable energy. The team is introducing plug-in photovoltaic systems with battery storage that enable households to increase their own consumption, store surplus energy and ensure an emergency power supply in the event of power outages. Together with local partners, the project is developing technical standards for storage solutions, carrying out pilot installations and equipping 200 buildings per country with balcony solar power systems. Through workshops, webinars and media work, the team informs tenants, homeowners, installers and policy makers about the 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 the uptake of small solar installations and supports the transition to decentralised renewable energy in all three countries.