The energy transition holds great opportunities for sustainable change. It is not only a technical challenge, but above all a task for society as a whole. In terms of a socio-ecological energy transition, environmental, species, and climate protection play just as important a role as inclusivity and community. Because the way we deal with energy is closely linked to equal opportunities, equal rights, and the question of who has access to and co-determination rights over energy and under what conditions. If the conversion of the energy system is also used to counteract energy poverty, structural disadvantage, or inequality, it has far greater potential to support social change toward greater sustainability than if it is thought of in purely technical terms.

“Your balcony network – Energy creates community” explores the questions of what a socio-ecological energy transition could look like and how more sustainable energy production affects everyday life.

In the course of the project, citizens are given the opportunity to use so-called photovoltaic balcony modules free of charge and generate their own energy. The participants act as experimenters during the project and are accompanied by research for the entire project period. The research focuses on the following questions:

• What effects does the use of a balcony solar system have on everyday life and community life?
• How can the topic of sustainable energy production be linked to other sustainability topics?

The focus is on the idea of integration and networking; the formation of a network for exchange of experiences among the experimenters and other PV interested parties is to be encouraged. The project also investigates whether and how energy production can promote social interaction. Various participation formats are used to encourage continuous exchange among the participants. Another goal is to address groups so far underrepresented in the energy sector, such as women or (urban) gardeners.

For more information, please visit the website of Energietransformation im Dialog (energy transformation in dialogue) and the Energieblog (energy blog).

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