While current conditions are still adverse for a broad implementation of solar collective systems in the multifamily housing sector, the following factors are important for a successful project:

— Integrated Approach: The installation of a solar collective system has to be integrated in a new building construction or a refurbishment at an early point of time. Realising synergies in the planning and installation process and help to reduce costs and maximize results.

Services: Housing Companies mostly are not experienced in integrating solar collective systems and do not have the time to deal with more complex technical solutions. Suppliers have to provide all necessary steps to integrate a solar thermal system.

Energy Services: A good way to integrate a solar collective system into the energy supply of a multifamily building is by integrating it into contracting models. In these cases a professional energy service company takes care of all technical and and framework details and can act as a full service provider for the housing company. By its specific Know how, the energy service company is able to run the system at an optimum.

Guarantees: Due to still existing distrust about the efficiency of solar collective systems it seems necessary to provide quality assurances like guaranteed solar results for large systems. Automatic control systems are very helpful to detect malfunctions as early as possible. Therefore high quality products are a prerequisite.

Marketing: Applying solar technology at housing complex can improve the buildings and housing companies’ image. Avoiding vacancies and frequent change of tenants reduces the direct costs for housing companies. Especially in weak housing markets this topic should be strategically used to foster the decision about implementing solar systems.

5 Further Demand

Taking into accout the political goal of installing 100 million m2 solar thermal collector area until 2010 in Europe, this will only be achievable, if a considerable share is installed in solar collective systems in the next years.

Therefore, it is necessary to continue clearly focussed information and know-how transfer activities, adressed to housing and real estate companies as the main target group for solar collective systems for hot water and space heating applications. Europewide, decision makers in this industry have to be informed about chances and ways to implement solar technology.

In order to boost this market, the main and general problem of poor economic prospects has to be targeted and mitigated by efficient financial support mechanisms that foster highly cost and energy efficient large scale applications.