I can have solar panels! – Karlovac county
Due to a rise in prices of fossil fuels and greater awareness of the need to preserve the environment today, the interest for using solar energy in water heating is growing again. Karlovac County Government decided to initiate the project "Promoting the use of renewable energy sources by individuals in Karlovac county,". The first phase of the project started in the year 2009 and covered 60 households in Karlovac County, into which solar systems were installed. The total cost of the preparation and implementation of the project was estimated at the amount of HRK 1.910.000.00, out of which the individuals participated with HRK 1.080.000.00 (56,54%), Karlovac County with HRK 240.000.00 (12,57%), and the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency with HRK 590.000.00 (30,89%) of financial assistance. Total cost of equipment and installation of solar systems into households was co-financed with the amount of 40% or up to the maximum of HRK 12 000 per household. After the initial success of the project Karlovac county government decided to continue with the project in 2010, expanding financial assistance to renewable energy investments in photovoltaics, heat pumps and wind turbines.
Project goals:
- Stimulating the use of renewable energy sources in households;
- Annual energy savings in 60 households of up to 82 800 kWh;
- Promoting investments in renewable energy sources as a sustainable long term energy solution;
- Increasing local community energy independence;
- Stimulation of Croatian solar panel industry and local economy.
Activities within the project:
- Preparation and implementation of public tender for solar panels;
- Visiting future solar panel locations and checking whether the objects meet the required specifications;
- Examination of the installed solar systems;
- Creation of final project report.
