Bulgarian context
What is the creation process behind this tool?
We started by looking at what’s already available across Europe and in Bulgaria. We used the Specific Guidebook to see what services exist and where the gaps are. We found that while a lot of information is out there, it’s not tailored to the local reality in Bulgaria—especially when it comes to small municipalities. We also spoke with local communities, municipal staff, and energy experts. The same problem kept coming up: the process to start a solar energy community is too complex, too long, and too uncertain. People are willing to do the work, but they need guidance and clear, proven paths to follow.
So, we decided to build a tool that shows what success looks like. These real-life models show how it can be done step by step, and help initiators build a plan that matches their community's needs and resources.
Why such tool is needed in your context? How would it impact the Bulgarian/regional context?
In Bulgaria, starting energy community based on PVP can take more than 8 months just to get the necessary permits. There are over 10 major steps, nearly 30 documents, and lots of unclear rules.
Our tool will offer a shortcut through this complexity. It will help communities define a clear technical and legal concept early on—so they can approach authorities and partners with a solid plan. We believe this will unlock many new projects across the country, especially in places that haven’t had much support until now. If we can help even a fraction of the interested groups succeed, that’s a big step forward in making clean, community-owned energy a reality in Bulgaria.
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