Amsterdam Launches Solar Subsidy Scheme

• Amsterdam's City Council is accepting applications from denizens who wish to offer their rooftops or any suitable place to install solar panels
• Under its solar subsidy scheme 'Dak voor de Stad', the council is offering a subsidy between €5,000 to €30,000 per location
• For a community solar projects to be eligible for the program, the number of minimum participants needs to be 10
• Project capacity needs to be 25 and 62.5 kW
• Project location must be offered for a period of 15 years

In a bid to encourage the use of solar panels on rooftops of apartment buildings, the municipality of Amsterdam has launched a solar subsidy scheme called 'Dak voor de Stad'. It is accepting applications from rooftop owners or people who can offer a suitable location for the installation of solar panels for community solar projects beginning August 1, 2017.

The Amsterdam City Council is offering a grant of at least €5,000 and up to €30,000 per location. The final amount depends on the solar power generated and the size of the roof.

A solar cooperative will install the community solar projects. Its members or third parties will be able to invest in solar panels. The aim is to enable people who don't own a roof to use solar power. Community solar cooperatives must have a minimum of 10 participants.

The project location must be offered for a minimum period of 15 years. Projects from 25 to 62.5 kW will be eligible for a €5,000 grant. Beyond 62.5 kW, they can claim €0.08 per W. People offering multiple locations for the projects can get a grant of up to €90,000.

The council has capped the total grant amount at €320,000. It will be accepting applications until November 1, 2018.

Approved parties will receive the grant once the solar project has been completed and the council has reviewed the former's accountability.

Amsterdam aims to install around 160 MW of solar power capacity by 2020, compared to 9 MW installed by 2013.