Solar panels for the building: how it gets approved and how it is shared

Your building's roof is probably a wasted asset. Shared self-consumption already pays for itself — and the law makes it easier.

What majority is needed

• For an installation serving the common areas: simple majority.
• For shared self-consumption by the homes (each participant sees the benefit on their own bill): one third of owners and shares is enough — those who approve it pay and benefit; the rest can join later by paying their updated share.

The indicative numbers

An installation for common areas plus 8–12 participating homes runs to €8,000–20,000 before grants. With subsidies (30–50% is usual) and tax relief, the typical payback lands at 4–7 years, against 25-plus years of service life.

How the energy is shared

Through allocation coefficients that are agreed (they do not have to match the ownership shares) and notified to the distribution company. Each participant sees their portion deducted on their bill.

The steps

1. A preliminary study (many installers do it free): orientation, shading, consumption.
2. Two or three comparable quotes, with the grant paperwork included.
3. A resolution at the meeting with the allocation clearly minuted.
4. Installation (one to two weeks) and certification.

The tip

Start with the common areas if the meeting is lukewarm: the lift bill dropping 60% convinces more people than any presentation.