Montenegro Installs First Balcony Solar Panels
Montenegro has taken a significant step toward a greener future with the installation of its first balcony solar panel system, marking a new milestone in the country’s expanding renewable energy program.
The solar array was installed this week at a residential building in Niksic, a town in western Montenegro, as part of the state-backed Solari 5000+ initiative. The project is spearheaded by EPCG Solar Gradnja, a subsidiary of the state-controlled utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG).
“This is a major innovation within the project,” EPCG announced in a statement. “Citizens can now apply not only to install solar panels on rooftops but also on balconies.” The initiative, aimed at increasing accessibility to solar energy, offers a 20% subsidy for installations through a partnership between EPCG and the government’s Eco-Fund.
EPCG’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to position Montenegro as a regional leader in renewable energy. In March, EPCG Director General Ivan Bulatovic revealed that 70 MW of small-scale rooftop solar capacity has already been connected to the national grid. The company plans to raise this to 100 MW by the end of 2024.
The solar expansion is being driven by EPCG’s Solari projects, which began with Solari 3000+ for households and Solari 500+ for businesses in 2021. These early phases concluded in 2023, adding 30 MW of clean energy capacity. The latest phase, Solari 5000+, was launched in 2024 with a €70 million budget, targeting an additional 70 MW of capacity.
Through the Solari program, Montenegro aims to reduce carbon emissions, lower electricity bills, and promote energy independence among its citizens and businesses. The initiative provides financial support for solar systems of up to 10 kW for homes and 30 kW for commercial properties.
With the addition of balcony installations, EPCG hopes to make solar energy even more accessible—particularly for residents in apartment buildings—further solidifying Montenegro’s role as a trailblazer in sustainable energy in the Balkans.
Image: EPCG
