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Sunny School Hrastnik: Pioneering the First Cooperative Community Solar Power Plant in Slovenia

In January 2024, the community witnessed a significant milestone as the first cooperative community solar power plant emerged on the roof of a public school in the quaint city of Hrastnik, aptly named Sončna šola Hrastnik (translated as Sunny School Hrastnik). This groundbreaking initiative was spearheaded by the cooperative Zeleni Hrastnik (Green Hrastnik), established in 2022 through a collaborative effort by the Municipality of Hrastnik, the NGO Focus, and local residents.

The municipality provided the roof space of the public school, extending an invitation to residents to participate in the community endeavor. Eligibility required a connection to the same transformer station, ensuring seamless access to the electricity generated by the solar power plant. With a capacity of 300 kW, this innovative facility is set to power 15 households, three public buildings, and two local economic facilities.

The entire project, with a total investment of approximately EUR 235,000, exemplifies a well-balanced financial structure. Clients contributed 20%, while an additional 20% was secured through subsidies from the Ministry of Environment and Climate of Slovenia. The remaining 60% was financed through credit. Cooperative members initially invested EUR 100 per 1 kW, affording each client the opportunity to purchase the required share and become a vital part of this sustainable energy initiative. The success of Sunny School Hrastnik marks a harmonious collaboration between local entities and residents, showcasing the potential for community-driven renewable energy projects in Slovenia.

It is the first cooperative in the filed of solar power plants. Many more municipalities have now expressed interest in the similar cooperative approach

In a noteworthy achievement, the municipality became the trailblazer for cooperative energy initiatives in Slovenia. It took the lead by offering its residents the unique opportunity to become active participants in the formation of an energetic community working as a cooperative. This groundbreaking cooperative, named Zeleni Hrastnik (Green Hrastnik), was jointly established by the municipality of Hrastnik, the NGO Focus, and local inhabitants.

Zeleni Hrastnik has a clear mission: to spearhead community projects focused on renewable energy sources. This not only ensures affordable energy for its cooperative members but also actively contributes to local community development through project planning and execution. The cooperative operates with the primary objective of delivering tangible benefits to its members.

The cooperative's commitment is evident in its allocation of operational surpluses. The majority of these funds are directed towards provisions aimed at reducing energy costs or providing more economical services to cooperative members. By prioritizing the well-being and financial advantages of its members, Zeleni Hrastnik stands as a model for sustainable energy cooperatives, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and benefit within the community.

It is a cooperative. Municipality ensured the site (roof) for the solar power plant, membership in the cooperative - to be precise - shares in the solar power plant was then offered to inhabitants.

The project incurred a total cost of approximately 235,000 EUR, with financing structured as follows: 20% from clients, another 20% secured through subsidies from the Ministry, and the remaining 60% obtained through a bank credit.

Solar power plant 300 kW was built on the roof of a local school (Primary school of national hero Rajko). It will cover 3 public buildings and 15 households and 2 economic facilities. They are all connected to the same transformer.