Facilitating energy sharing

In principle, citizens in EU Member States can now choose from a broad range of renewable energy technologies to participate in the energy transition. Solar photovoltaic power has become the cheapest source of electricity generation in most regions of Europe. Households usually invest in renewable energy individually, unless they are part of an energy community. For middle- and highincome households, having the means and knowledge to benefit from solar panels on their own roof is achievable. But for vulnerable and low-income households, as well as for tenants and people living in multi-unit buildings, financial and technical barriers can make access to this cheap renewable electricity difficult.

Against the backdrop of the recent energy price crisis, energy sharing could be a tool to help overcome inequalities in engagement in the energy transition and at the same time optimise the functioning of a flexible, cost-efficient renewable energy system. This brief focuses on the household perspective and complements the brief on designing fair renewable electricity tariffs.