Energent – Buurzame stroom: bringing power to the people by creating a new commons for solar panels

We all know the benefits of solar panels for both household budgets and the climate. However, not everyone can afford them, and not every roof is equally suitable for installing solar panels. 

Still, the fact remains that many roofs are fit for installation, but are not currently exploited – just think of schools or public buildings. Residents of Sint-Amandsberg reached out to the City of Ghent to find a joint solution.

Solar power to the people

For four years, the city and its residents searched for the right answers and solutions. They recently published a report with their findings. Today, several partners have joined forces and created Buurzame Stroom. 

The citizen cooperative EnerGent, which coordinated the project, partnered up with Samenlevingsopbouw, Ecopower, Ghent University, Eandis, De Energiecentrale and the City of Ghent to launch a ground-breaking project tackling the challenges facing solar power. Read the full project results on the project’s website.