How are the costs of the solar panels shared in the housing association?

Installing solar panels in a housing association is an increasingly popular way to reduce energy costs and promote environmental friendliness. However, dividing costs in a housing association can be a complicated process that requires careful planning and cooperation between partners. This article discusses how the costs of solar panels can be shared in a housing association.

Principles of cost sharing

The costs of solar panels in a housing association can be divided in several different ways. The most common principles are:

• Through partnership consideration: The costs are shared among all shareholders in the form of partnership consideration. This is the most common way because it is simple and fair.
• According to use: The costs are divided according to how much each partner uses the electricity produced by the solar panels. However, this requires careful monitoring and measurement.
• Separate investment: Partners can also make a separate investment in solar panels, in which case only the partners who participated in the investment pay the costs and get the benefit.

The role of the company meeting

The building company’s general meeting plays a central role in deciding on the purchase of solar panels and the distribution of costs. At the general meeting, shareholders can discuss different options and make decisions together. It is important that all partners receive sufficient information about the costs, benefits and possible risks of the project.

Financing options

Several financing options are available for the purchase of solar panels, which can make it easier to share the costs:

1. Corporate loan: A housing association can take out a loan for the purchase of solar panels. The cost of the loan is divided among the shareholders in the form of partnership consideration.
2. Energy subsidy: Subsidies and subsidies offered by the state and municipalities can cover part of the procurement costs. For example, Business Finland offers energy support for renewable energy projects. More information can be found on Business Finland’s website.
3. Shareholder loan: Shareholders can also take out personal loans to finance solar panels. This option can be attractive if taking out a corporate loan is not possible or desired.

Benefits and savings

Installing solar panels in a housing association can bring significant savings in the long term. Self-production of electricity reduces dependence on the electricity grid and lowers electricity bills. In addition, solar panels can increase the property’s value and improve its energy efficiency.

Summary

Sharing the costs of solar panels in a housing association requires careful planning and cooperation between the partners. Sharing through company consideration is the most common and simplest way, but sharing according to use and separate investments are also possible. The role of the general meeting is central in decision-making, and different financing options can facilitate the implementation of the project. Solar panels can bring significant savings and improve the property’s value in the long term.