A solar park that is built and operated by an energy cooperative and from which the citizens can earn some money - that's what the PM New Year's reception in Penzberg was all about
Penzberg – The voter group “Penzberg Together” (PM) rates the model of the new “Oberland Energy Cooperative” as a “captivating idea for regional power generation”, which put its first photovoltaic ground-mounted system into operation in 2021 and is now pursuing further projects.
It would "also fit in well with Penzberg," says PM boss and deputy mayor Markus Bocksberger.
PM now wants to start looking for suitable plots of land.
Modules are elevated so that cows can graze underneath
The energy cooperative was the focus of the New Year's reception, to which PM had invited in the public railway station.
"We would like the local citizens to participate directly in the energy transition and ultimately also benefit from it," explained Michael Sendl, member of the supervisory board of the energy cooperative.
According to him, solidarity between citizens and agriculture is necessary.
According to Sendl, farmers who have suitable land approach the energy cooperative.
The highlight: the modules are set higher than usual, so high that cattle or sheep can graze underneath.
According to Sendl, close cooperation with the respective municipality is also important in order to reach the goal faster and more effectively.
The first project was a solar meadow in Peißenberg - further projects are being planned
As reported, the first project of the energy cooperative is the solar meadow on Dornbichlweg in Peißenberg, which can supply around 800 households with electricity and yielded a return for the members after just a few months.
According to Sendl, ten further projects are currently planned in the Weilheim-Schongau district with an investment volume of around 40 million euros.
He explained that broad public participation ensures that acceptance is given from the start.
According to him, a subsidiary is formed in every place where a plant is built.
Trade tax also accrues to the respective municipality.
Bocksberger: Energy transition will only succeed “if we take people with us”
Bocksberger describes the concept as "impressive".
He is convinced that the energy transition will only succeed "if we take people with us and also involve them financially".
He sees the involvement of farmers, who make their land available but can continue grazing on it, as trend-setting.
According to Bocksberger, the cooperative would also fit in well with Penzberg, because the Peißenbergers also check the suitability of roof surfaces of industrial buildings and investigate whether photovoltaic systems would also be possible on moorland.
At the New Year's reception, Bernd Watzlawek also reported on his balcony PV system, which was so productive that seven neighbors followed his example.
In his presentation, Peter Rasor campaigned for saving energy with a striking sentence about car journeys: "For every trip to Munich that you don't make, you can boil water for two people for tea 770 times."