Utility group Trianel partners with Conergy to offer solar leasing
European municipal utility network Trianel GmbH and Conergy, one of the world's leading solar companies, has launched a new partnership that enables municipal utilities in the Trianel network to offer solar leasing for homes with no upfront costs. Under the terms of the agreement, Conergy will design, install and maintain solar installations tailored for each customer.
Trianel is a network bringing together municipal electric utilities that develops new business models to support their independence and competitiveness. Its 100-plus shareholders supply a combined six million homes in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Michel Nicolai, Director of Decentralized Production at Trianel, explained the move: "Conergy's many years of experience in designing, installing, and maintaining solar systems were pivotal in their selection as our fulfillment partner," he said, adding: "What convinced us was also their international network of certified regional partners. With this, our utilities can rely on 100% quality and nationwide availability during the implementation of the projects. At the same time, the added regional value can be preserved."
Anke Johannes, CEO at Conergy Deutschland GmbH, said: "Services such as Trianel's "˜EnergieDach' follow a trend that will boost solar installations in the residential segment. Self-generated solar energy is significantly cheaper for consumers in these markets, and leasing means no upfront costs, and no hassle in terms of maintenance. We expect consumption of renewably-produced energy to increase considerably in European homes in the coming years."
Trianel's "EnergieDach" service enables municipal utilities to install residential PV systems at no cost to homeowners. The utility undertakes the initial investment, set up, and operational management of the system. The customer, as system operator and leaseholder, uses the electricity generated for their own consumption. Tests in Heidelberg, Germany demonstrated that customers should save as much as 9,000 Euros (13,000 USD) over the 25-year term of the lease, with the option to buy additional electricity at preferential rates.
