Project description
Solarpluggers is a citizen energy initiative from the energy cooperation Oost-Brabant (ECOOB) in Flanders (Belgium) that develops a citizen-led model for integrating collective photovoltaic systems and shared electric vehicle charging infrastructure in apartment buildings. The project aims to overcome organisational and governance barriers that prevent residents in multi-ownership buildings from accessing renewable energy and clean mobility solutions.
- Challenges addressed
Apartment residents are often at risk of being left behind in the energy transition. Multi-ownership buildings face specific barriers, including fragmented decision-making, limited technical capacity, complex co-owner governance, and uncertainty about fair cost-sharing. As a result, many apartment buildings struggle to install solar energy systems or future-proof charging infrastructure, even when residents, owners and property managers are interested.
Solarpluggers addresses these barriers by developing a scalable model for apartment buildings that combines renewable energy production, smart charging infrastructure, stakeholder engagement and participatory governance. The aim is to make it easier for associations of co-owners, residents, tenants and property managers to reach well-informed and inclusive decisions on collective energy investments.
- Technology
The initiative combines solar energy, battery systems, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and energy efficiency measures to deliver inclusive urban solutions.
- Support received under CEAH
With support from CEAH, the initiative is focusing on designing effective stakeholder engagement processes, participatory governance models and decision-making tools tailored to complex ownership structures. It seeks to facilitate consensus among diverse stakeholders, including owners, tenants and property managers, while ensuring fair and inclusive participation.
1. As-Is Analysis and Associations of co-owners (VME) Decision-Making Flow
Analyses previous VME projects to identify success factors, failures, and gaps, and translates these insights into a clear and legally compliant decision-making framework. Key deliverables include:- An As-Is Analysis Report, identifying successes, failures, gaps, and recommendations
- A VME decision-making and participation flow, providing a step-by-step stakeholder engagement and decision process
2. Live Masterclass on Behavioural Psychology and Stakeholder Tools
Equips the team with practical behavioural insights and stakeholder engagement tools tailored to their project experience. Key deliverables include:- A Masterclass Presentation, applying behavioural frameworks to VME projects
- A Tools and Methodologies Handout, including templates for stakeholder mapping and decision-making
3. Review and Improvement of Communication Materials
Strengthens communication materials by applying behavioural principles and stakeholder engagement approaches. Key deliverables include:- Improved Communication Materials, optimised for VME outreach
- A Communication Toolkit Checklist, supporting ongoing improvement and self-assessment
4. Pilot Building Selection and Approach Plan
Defines a structured and replicable methodology for VME project implementation, including pilot selection and engagement strategy. Key deliverables include:- A Pilot selection report, identifying the selected building and key considerations
- A 4-Phase Pilot Approach Plan, outlining stakeholder analysis, engagement strategy, and governance setup
By combining technical solutions with cooperative ownership and participatory decision-making, Solarpluggers aims to offer an inclusive and transferable model for dense urban environments. The project can help unlock solar energy, clean mobility and future energy-sharing opportunities for residents of apartment buildings in Flanders and beyond.
More information on the energy cooperation can be found here on their website: https://www.ecoob.be/