Solar School Hrastnik (SSH)

The Solar School Hrastnik energy community is based on a self-consumption communal solar power plant set up in an inclusive way by the Green Hrastnik cooperative. It will supply 15 households, 3 public buildings and 2 buildings of the local economy. The project combines solidarity-based management of community resources and environmental sustainability. The novelty of the Green Hrastnik cooperative is bringing together both the Municipality of Hrastnik and interested citizens on a democratic basis. This is the first example of cooperative developed self-supply with renewable electricity in SLO

We need to urgently decarbonise energy systems, but it must be done justly for all. This energy transition must consider local technological, economic, and political conditions. Inclusive and non-profit energy communities have great potential to contribute to an equitable energy transition.  

We need to urgently decarbonise energy systems, but it must be done justly for all. This energy transition must consider local technological, economic, and political conditions. Inclusive and non-profit energy communities have great potential to contribute to an equitable energy transition.  

Households, municipal public institutions, and local businesses created the energy community by joining the cooperative Zeleni Hrastnik. The energy is self-sustained, generated, and distributed to the community from renewable sources. Members of the cooperative collectively own the solar power plant.  

Electricity costs are significantly lower in the community. Consumers also become producers and, thus, prosumers. The cooperative members manage their community resources democratically while sustaining their local community and the environment. 

The entire model of cooperative self-consumption is transferable, but local conditions must be considered. Legislative frameworks are important, but social and political conditions also play a key role. The Solar School Hrastnik model is currently used in other municipalities in Slovenia; it is also suitable for groups of people.