Dipl. Wirt.-Ing. Frank Heunemann, Berliner Energieagentur GmbH

Although the technology for solar collective systems is available, only few installations have been realised in the commercial housing sector so far. Main reasons for the lack between huge potentials and installed systems are the specificly higher heating costs (compared to conventional boiler systems) and distrust regarding reliability and yields of the technology.

In order to overcome those barriers, the Berlin Energy Agency carries out an initiative within the European SolTherm Initiative in close cooperation with major german housing associations.

The Initiative is financed by

— the European Commission and

— the German Federal Environmental Agency.

Core elements of the initiative “Solar Thermal for Multy Family Houses” are published information like articles in housing magazines, on the internet plattform www. soltherm. info and a brochure dedicated to decision makers in the housing industry.

Main arguments to convince decision makers are successful projects within the housing industry, integrated approaches for the conventional and solar heating system, available supporting instruments and a clear description of legal frameworks. Especially in housing markets with an excess supply of dwellings, solar systems can be useful for accentuation of the offered dwellings.