SONCE energija and SunContract Energy self-sufficient communities (Zavrate and Radeče)

In August 2021, SONCE energija presented the first 100 % energy-self-sufficient village in Slovenia – Zavrate. This was the first step towards creating self-sufficient and climate-neutral communities in the country, as well as energy independence. Furthermore, in October 2021, they also launched the first self-sufficient city centre in Radeče. The integration into community self-sufficiency in Zavrate was carried out with the help of the SunContract platform, which enables end users to directly use community renewable sources and connect with electricity producers, which ensures greater access to energy for individuals. It also enables greater transparency in the electricity market and a reduction in the electricity bill by 10-15 % of all those involved in the community or up to a 50% reduction in the electricity bill for consumers who offer the use of their roofs to communities. The first self-sufficient city centre in Radeče enables the citizens of the city centre to become self-sufficient, even if they live in blocks of flats or do not have the option of installing solar power plants on their roofs. In October 2021, a 112-kilowatt PV system was installed on the roof of Radeče’s community health centre. It will enable Radeče residents to use the renewable source of energy even without their own investment, thus cutting their electricity bills. The renewable energy self-sufficient community in Radeče creates a new business model of green energy use for producers and consumers, allowing end-users to directly use energy and distribute the community’s renewable source of energy. It also enables citizens to be resistant to the increase in the price of electricity on the market as they can invest in the necessary part of a solar power plant, or combine it with renting one.