A citizen cooperative in Paris has surpassed one megawatt of solar power, using rooftops of public buildings to promote renewable energy and community investment.
Enercitif exceeds one megawatt-peak
The citizen cooperative Enercitif, based in Île-de-France, has surpassed one megawatt-peak (MWc) of installed solar power through 23 rooftop photovoltaic plants in Paris. Six new plants were added during the summer, contributing to this milestone.A challenge in an urban setting
The project started as a bold idea to develop solar power in Paris, a densely populated city where space is limited. Enercitif aimed to prove that committed citizens could successfully implement solar energy in such a challenging environment.Growth through public support
The cooperative's initial installations, launched in 2021, were followed by more projects, leading to 15 plants by the end of 2022. This growth was supported by over 300 investors and the Participatory Budget of the City of Paris.New developments and future goals
A new installation in Rungis in 2023 marked the start of a second cluster, which now includes 12 planned power plants. This expansion is part of the City of Paris's "Energieculteurs" program, with Enercitif winning the contract in July 2024.Long-term management and transfer
Enercitif holds a service concession to finance, build, and operate the plants for 15 years. After that, the solar installations will be returned to the City of Paris, which will continue to manage them for at least another 15 years.Projected impact and scale
By next year, Enercitif plans to have 28 power plants, generating about 1,600 kWc of electricity. This is enough to power the electricity needs (excluding heating) of approximately 1,400 people.Locations and partnerships
So far, Enercitif has installed solar panels on municipal buildings like schools and community centers, as well as on properties owned by social housing landlords such as RIVP, Elogie Siemp, and Paris Habitat.Electricity usage and revenue models
The electricity from the first cluster is sold under the purchase obligation mechanism (S17 decree) to Enercoop, a cooperative energy supplier. One plant, installed on a RIVP hotel, operates under a self-consumption model, where the landlord uses the electricity or passes it on to tenants.Participation and investment
Enercitif invites the public to join as shareholders in its cooperative. Shares start at 100 euros, with reduced rates for students and those receiving social minimums. Investors become co-producers of renewable energy through this model.
