Powering the future: Ajdovščina’s energy self-supply community

At GEN-I, we have long been committed to developing projects that enable a transition to cleaner energy sources for everyone. Years ago, we began our journey toward a green transformation by offering solar power plants for self-supply to individuals and businesses. Our dedication to raising awareness about a future without fossil fuels and CO₂ emissions was reflected in the widespread installation of solar power plants for individual self-supply across Slovenia.

But we took it a step further. At the end of 2020, in the village of Budanje, we installed the first community solar power plant on the roof of the local elementary school, designed to provide self-supply of energy to residents in seven households.

Building on the positive experience of this pilot project, we have developed a true local self-sufficient community, bringing together solar power plants installed on five buildings owned by the Municipality of Ajdovščina. Each year, these solar power plants generate 873,000 kWh of electricity, resulting in an annual reduction of 510 tons of CO₂ emissions. In this way, we contribute to increased production of green energy and sustainable development over the next 30 years, which is the expected lifetime of the solar power plants.  

Since becoming operational in March 2024, the Ajdovščina self-sufficient community has produced approximately 1.67 GWh of clean electricity, avoiding about 980 tons of CO₂ to date. These results demonstrate the community’s tangible contribution to local decarbonization and affordable, renewable energy for households.  

The solar panels, covering a total surface area of 5,432 square meters and providing nearly 700 kW of total capacity, ensure a reliable and clean source of energy, lower monthly costs, and the satisfying feeling that community members are contributing to reducing emissions without affecting the quality of life in their homes. After analysis, we find that most members in the community are saving on energy, and in total, members have already saved over €23,000. The solar panels now supply energy to around 230 households.  

At GEN-I, we firmly believed that everyone should contribute to a greener future by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. For us, the solution was the sun. Solar energy is clean, infinite, accessible to all, and among all renewable sources, it holds the greatest potential for the future.

The future is green. Let’s create it together!