Step-by-step guide: from the general meeting to installation and managing energy production
Installing solar panels in apartment buildings is one of the most efficient, yet often misunderstood, applications of solar energy. Shared areas—lighting, elevators, pumps, garage doors—have steady energy consumption and can be effectively supplied by a shared solar system.
With the right process, the benefits are immediate and shared fairly.
Where the solar system can be installed
In most apartment buildings, the solar system is installed:
- on the rooftop
- on a shared roof terrace
- or on canopies / auxiliary structures
The space must be designated as a shared area and have sufficient unshaded surface.
General meeting approval
The first and most critical step is approval at the general meeting. Installing solar panels in a shared area requires a decision in accordance with the apartment building’s regulations.
In practice, an enhanced majority is usually required, since the project involves using a shared area for permanent equipment. Keeping owners properly informed is crucial to gaining acceptance for the project.
What the system’s output can cover
The solar system is connected to the meter for the shared-area electricity supply. The energy it generates is used for:
- stairwell lighting
- the elevator
- security systems
- other shared-area energy uses
This significantly reduces shared expenses for all residents.
Net billing and energy management
Today, systems are connected under a net billing arrangement. This means that:
- energy consumed directly reduces the bill
- surplus energy is fed into the grid and financially offset
Correct system sizing is crucial to ensure that production matches the apartment building’s actual needs.
Cost and allocation
Installation costs are usually allocated:
- equally among apartments
- or according to ownership shares, in line with the building’s regulations
The important thing is that the benefits are reflected immediately in lower shared expenses, without requiring residents to change their lifestyle.
Maintenance and management
The solar system does not require daily management. Production can be monitored through an app or platform, and maintenance is minimal.
The building manager or technical consultant has a clear view of the system’s performance and can quickly identify any deviations.
Common pitfalls
The most common mistakes in apartment buildings are:
- oversized systems without matching energy consumption
- hasty decisions made without a technical study
- lack of agreement, which creates tension
Solar panels in shared areas of apartment buildings are one of the most efficient and equitable applications of solar energy. With the right decision, study, and installation, they reduce shared expenses and increase the building’s energy value.
At Solar Home, we manage the entire process: from the technical study and informing the general meeting to installation and ongoing monitoring of production.
