Who are the 'prosumers' of solar energy in Serbia?

Her four-person household is one of the first "prosumers" of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy in the country. Prosumers are households that produce and consume electricity from their own solar plants, even if these plants are made up of just a few panels. In Serbia, home-generated energy in excess of a household's needs is sent to the grid.

Is solar energy a good investment in Serbia?

The independent Belgrade-based Environment Improvement Center estimates that the potential of solar energy in Serbia is 30% higher than in Central Europe. In Serbia, however, says energy efficiency expert Slobodan Jerotic, the question is really how many households can afford to invest €5,000–6,000 in solar power systems.

How much does electricity cost in Serbia?

In April 2024, the average wholesale electricity price in Serbia stood at over 64.6 euros per megawatt-hour, down from approximately 107 euros per megawatt-hour one year prior. Electricity prices skyrocketed over the past few years, the consequence of an energy supply shortage which severely impacted Europe.

Does Serbia have a prosumer model?

In Serbia, the prosumer model only became feasible for private households this year. And with changes to the Use of Renewable Energy Sources Law, the state finally created a system that was ostensibly designed to motivate citizens to try their luck with solar power. But the system was flawed.

How many solar panels are on Dragana Maricic's house?

Late last year, after much saving and planning, 16 460-watt solar panels were finally bolted to the roof of Dragana Maricic's two-story house in the town of Ruma in northern Serbia. These solar panels contain solar cells that generate electric power.