Policy Briefs

In order for Berlin to be able to achieve the self-imposed targets for expansion of photovoltaics (PC), great efforts still have to be made. The current instruments are not sufficient for this. In order to make use of the great potential of apartment buildings, there is the possibility of producing PV electricity on their roofs and selling it directly to the tenants. But the so-called "tenant electricity" has so far led a niche existence.

At the same time, tenant electricity offers enormous innovation potential on the consumption side and could be an element for a flexible and sustainable...

The reduction of heat demand through energy-efficient building refurbishment and the switch to renewable energies and waste heat in the heat supply are the two central components of the transition of the heating sector in Berlin. The implementation of these climate protection measures is accompanied by considerable investments, but also benefits, for example through reduced heating costs after a refurbishment. Tenants fear additional burdens due to energy-efficient refurbishments when the modernisation costs are allocated. Low-income households in particular can be heavily burdened by this...

Solar energy is the most important renewable energy source that can be tapped in Berlin's urban area. The state government has therefore set the goal of covering 25 percent of Berlin's electricity supply from solar energy. To achieve this, the city's installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity must be expanded to 34 times the 2020 level.

Such a dynamization of the expansion can only be achieved if all building types are included - including multifamily buildings. However, the current model for subsidizing tenant electricity has crucial shortcomings, so a fresh start seems possible only with a...