Electricity Neighbours: Evaluation of the social and ecological effects of tenant electricity systems in Berlin

Berlin tenant electricity systems have positive ecological and socio-economic effects, but these remain relatively low compared to the technically available potential. At the end of 2020, 74 PV tenant electricity projects with a capacity of 12.6 MWp were in operation in Berlin, the CO2 savings amount to around 4,100 t CO2 per year. This means that less than 1% of the potential is used. The survey carried out in the project shows that tenant electricity is rated positively. Especially for households with low incomes, the low price is the most important reason for tenant electricity. Scheme participant rate the energy transition more positively than the population on average.

However, there are obstacles dynamic expansion of tenant electricity, especially the narrow limits in terms of profitability. This means that only projects with certain characteristics can be implemented and the available roof areas are often not fully used. In order to achieve the Berlin government’s extension target, the framework conditions have to fundamentally change so that the full potential is exploited in all size classes and on all suitable roofs.