Solar and communities

Yes, solar energy can help lower electricity bills for households and communities, especially in areas where energy costs are high. Grants, shared solar programmes, or energy-sharing initiatives can make solar more accessible to those who need it most.

In Greece, for example, energy communities are providing vulnerable households with free electricity from solar power. Watch the video here. And in Ireland, EnergyCloud redirects surplus renewable energy from the grid to heat water in social housing, providing free hot water to families living in energy poverty. No rooftop panels required! Learn more.

Solar can help citizens and municipalities generate their own electricity, reducing reliance on imported energy and protecting against rising prices. Whether installed on rooftops or through shared solar projects, solar gives people more control over their energy use and spending.

Yes, community involvement is a critical part of solar development. Depending on the country, developers may be required to:

• Hold public consultations 
• Conduct environmental and social impact assessments
• Engage with stakeholders early in the permitting process 
  
  Many developers go beyond what's required by law by hosting information sessions, offering local investment opportunities, or adjusting project designs based on local input. Early and transparent engagement builds trust, reduces opposition, and often leads to better project outcomes for everyone involved. 

Solar projects can bring local benefits like tax contributions, lease payments, new jobs, and training. Some also offer co-ownership or investment opportunities. With nature-friendly design, they can boost biodiversity too—supporting community services, groups, and environmental initiatives.

The best time to get involved is early in the process. Engaging with developers during the planning stage gives communities more opportunity to shape the project—like influencing layout, location, or visual screening (like hedges). While final approval decisions are usually made by local or national authorities, community input often plays a big role in making projects stronger and more accepted.

Solar energy supports a growing number of local jobs across Europe—from installation and maintenance to engineering, logistics, and customer service. Solar PV depends on a diverse workforce. These jobs are often based in the communities where solar is installed, bringing economic opportunities close to home. By 2027, the EU solar sector is expected to support around 1 million jobs (EU Solar Jobs Report 2024).

Most of the time, solar parks don’t have a significant impact on the value of nearby homes, especially when they’re well-designed and screened. In some cases, they can even bring benefits to the area, like green energy, local investment, or better land management. For homes that have solar panels installed, the sale price can increase by as much as half the cost of the solar system (The Value of Solar Property report, 2021).

Yes, solar is a great fit for public buildings like schools, hospitals, libraries, and community centres. These spaces often have large rooftops and high daytime energy use, making solar cost-effective and efficient. Installing solar panels helps reduce electricity bills, cut emissions, and show leadership in the move to cleaner energy.

For schools, solar is not just about saving money—it’s a hands-on way to teach students about science, sustainability, and clean energy. Watch here how a kindergarten in Portugal uses solar to cut energy bills and share excess power with 20 local families.

Public buildings across Europe are benefiting too—from a hospital in Cyprus to an entire Greek island and even the national football stadium in Norway.

In Ireland, the Solar for Schools Programme is now available nationwide, allowing every school to apply for funding to install solar panels. This helps schools lower their electricity costs while bringing climate education to life in the classroom. For more info, click here.