City of Jena promotes small photovoltaic systems
With a newly launched funding program, the city of Jena will subsidize so-called plug-in photovoltaic systems from 02.11.2022. These are small and simple systems (max. 600 watts) that can be plugged into the socket and thus easily connected to the domestic power grid by the consumer. By covering part of the consumption, the system can reduce the household's electricity costs. A total of €100,000 is available for the program.
"The rising electricity prices are worrying many citizens of Jena. Self-generated solar power is therefore becoming increasingly attractive for many people. While this option is relatively easy to implement for homeowners, tenants have far less room for maneuver. Plug-in photovoltaic systems, also known as balcony power plants, provide a remedy here and also offer tenants the opportunity to generate climate-friendly and affordable electricity," explains Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche.
For relief and climate protection
The "Directive of the City of Jena for the promotion of solar power generation" pursues two major goals. On the one hand, to ease the burden on citizens in view of rising electricity prices. On the other hand, the funding program is intended to make an active contribution to reducing the city of Jena's greenhouse gas emissions and thus also to the ambitious goal of climate neutrality.
"The funding guideline was already taken into account when the municipal measures to tackle the energy crisis were drawn up. In contrast to large PV systems, small modules, so-called balcony power plants, are also available at short notice. With this funding measure, we can provide citizens with additional support in these difficult times," says Mayor Christian Gerlitz.
Staggered funding rate
The funding rate is staggered, depending on the neediness of the applicant. The standard subsidy rate is 25% of the purchase costs of the plug-in photovoltaic system, with the maximum subsidy rate being €200. A significantly higher subsidy rate is available to all those citizens who have less financial leeway. Jenabonus beneficiaries receive a subsidy rate of 75% of the acquisition costs, with the maximum subsidy rate here being €600. Jenabonus beneficiaries include people who receive social assistance or basic income support, benefits according to SGB II.
"I am very grateful for the support of the funding program through the draft resolution 'Meeting the energy crisis in the short term' by the Left, Green and SPD parliamentary groups. This resolution enabled the funding volume to be increased to €100,000 right from the start and a special socio-political sliding scale to be included in the funding," said Mayor Christian Gerlitz, expressing his thanks for the broad political support of almost all the parliamentary groups in Jena City Council.
With this graduated system, the city of Jena is pursuing the goal of enabling a particularly large number of people to use a balcony power plant and thus reduce their electricity costs. Mayor Christian Gerlitz emphasizes the social aspect:
"We are experiencing a time in which the climate crisis is also increasingly becoming a social crisis. The energy crisis has exacerbated this situation in recent months. With this funding program, we want to make the most of our scope for action as a city administration and support citizens in these difficult times."
Applications as an online or PDF form
Applications can be submitted using an online form or a PDF form. In addition to information about the applicant, ownership, building and bank details, a photo must be submitted showing where the system is to be installed. In addition, the landlord's consent must be obtained in advance.
High-rise buildings with a height of over 22 m have a special status. In Jena, this applies in particular to the eleven-storey buildings in Neulobeda. If photovoltaic systems are to be installed, the Thuringian building regulations stipulate a building permit procedure for high-rise buildings for safety reasons. It does not matter on which floor of the high-rise building the system would be located. As part of a building permit procedure, fire safety issues in particular would have to be reviewed. The prospects of a positive decision are low with the systems currently available. The City of Jena therefore expressly draws the attention of interested citizens to this regulation of the Free State of Thuringia.
More information and the application form can be found on the city of Jena's website at jena.de/solarstrom.