Established in 2013 as part of the United Nations Development Programme, the Green Energy Cooperative (ZEZ) has emerged as an important player in Croatia's citizen-led energy initiatives. With 20 members turned employees, ZEZ focuses on two primary pillars: small solar systems for households, and solar investments in public buildings.
In response to the surging demand for solar investments, ZEZ launched the online platform "On the Sunny Side" in 2020. This platform aimed to bridge the information gap by providing crucial details about solar equipment, installers, processes, and economic considerations. By 2024, over 15,000 Croatians have actively engaged in educational activities and content focused on solar energy.
A dedicated Facebook group gathering 35,000 members has become a hub for sharing solar knowledge, experiences, and exchanges. Through initiatives like the group procurement of the solar equipment facilitated through the On the Sunny Side platform, they are enhancing economic viability of solar adoption among Croatian citizens.
Additionally, ZEZ co-founded the ZEZ Sun cooperative which provides Croatians with the opportunity to invest in and own solar projects on municipal buildings. The first ZEZ Sun project, a 200 kW solar PV plant at the City Market in the City of Križevci, was funded in March 2024. In 2018 and 2019 and in collaboration with the City of Križevci, ZEZ also successfully implemented Križevci Solar Roofs, the first community energy projects in Croatia with 30 kW solar PV plants at two citizen-funded public buildings.
Notably, ZEZ’s efforts have resulted in financial benefits for investors, creating a sense of community ownership and fostering stronger ties with local municipalities. Plans for the future include uniting citizens through local energy communities, using solar energy as a tool for social cohesion, and sustainable development.
Talking about solar’s impact, Zoran stresses that solar is “the glue for social relations, for gatherings…for socialising," in the communities that ZEZ operates in.
Finally, he notes that, "through solar, people become more informed on how they consume their energy."
