Question 1

What is an energy community?

Accepted Answer

An energy community is a group of properties that generates and uses electricity. Typically, an energy community is formed by a housing company, such as a residential block or townhouse.

The creation of an energy community usually becomes relevant when a housing company plans to install solar panels. By forming an energy community, the properties (i.e., the apartments within the housing company) can use the electricity produced by the community’s solar panels. Without an energy community, the solar energy produced would typically be used only for the common areas of the building. However, through the energy community, the solar energy can also be distributed to the apartments.

Question 2

How is an energy community established?

Accepted Answer

A housing company, whether a townhouse or an apartment block, first decides to establish an energy community. This decision is typically recorded in the minutes of the company’s general meeting.

For the establishment of an energy community, all properties to be included must be connected to the electricity grid via a single electrical connection.

The local grid company then sets up the energy community. The energy community notifies the grid company, typically via an online form. The cost of setting up an energy community depends on the grid company: some offer this service free of charge, while others charge a service fee.

Question 3

How do solar panels work for a housing company?

Accepted Answer

Solar energy can be utilized in various types of housing community settings. While the basic principle remains the same, the application may vary slightly.

In typical solutions, the system is connected to the housing company’s electrical connection. The system primarily covers the electricity consumption of the community itself, such as heating, lighting, elevators, ventilation, and electric vehicle charging.

In housing companies made up of townhouses or semi-detached houses, the system can be installed on multiple roofs and connected directly to the individual owners' electrical connections. In this case, the system generates electricity for the property to which it is connected. While the project can still be done in the name of the housing company, sometimes independent projects are undertaken to take advantage of household tax deductions.

Question 4

How does a solar energy system work?

Accepted Answer

A solar energy system collects solar radiation and converts it into electricity for use on the property. Solar panels generate direct current (DC), which is then converted to alternating current (AC) by an inverter. The electricity flows from the solar panels to the inverter and then into the building’s electrical system.

Solar energy becomes the primary electricity source for the property. Consumption is first covered by solar energy, with any additional demand supplied by the grid.

If consumption exceeds production, the grid supplies the remaining electricity. If production exceeds consumption, the surplus electricity is transferred to the grid, and you are compensated based on the market price of electricity (excluding VAT). Battery systems prevent grid feed-in by storing excess solar energy for later use.

The system operates automatically, and your property’s electricity meter tracks both electricity purchases and sales. In Finland, electricity buying and selling are measured hourly.

Question 5

What is a microinverter?

Accepted Answer

In traditional solar power systems, a single inverter is often used to convert the DC electricity generated by the panels into usable AC electricity. In these systems, the panels are connected in series, functioning as a unified whole.

The issue with this setup is that the panels depend on each other. If there is shading on the roof that affects part of the panel field, the performance of the entire system can suffer, even if the other panels are in full sunlight. While solutions to mitigate this issue exist for traditional inverters, there are other options.

Microinverters are an alternative to traditional inverters. They are installed in parallel, and each microinverter operates independently on individual panels. One microinverter can handle 1–6 panels independently. For example, an 8-panel system can be installed with two microinverters.

Microinverters are mounted on rails on the roof, with cables leading directly to the building’s electrical panel. The advantage of independently functioning panels is that they are not dependent on each other. Even if part of the panels is shaded, the remaining panels will continue to generate solar power as usual. The traditional wall-mounted inverter is not needed in this system, as the conversion from DC to AC happens directly at the roof-mounted microinverters.

Discuss with a Hehku Energia expert to find the best solution for your property.

Question 6

What happens to solar panels in winter?

Accepted Answer

Solar systems require no winter maintenance. They are designed to withstand Finnish snow loads and go into standby mode under a blanket of snow. Since sunlight is minimal in winter, clearing snow is unnecessary and may pose a safety risk.

For safety reasons, we do not recommend climbing onto the roof. However, snow can be easily removed using a leaf blower as spring approaches. Alternatively, you can let the snow melt naturally as the weather warms.

Solar panels for housing companies – reduce electricity costs and your carbon footprint

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Housing company solar power can be utilized in various ways

Solar panels for apartment buildings

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Connecting the solar system to the housing company’s or residents’ electricity meters

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An energy community reduces residents’ electricity bills

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