Interest in citizen-owned solar power plants in Vienna remains high, with over 14,500 private individuals now involved in such projects, according to a mid-year report from Wien Energie.

The company, which operates 31 solar plants across Vienna and Lower Austria, has seen strong demand for its participatory model since launching the first of its kind in 2012.

Under the scheme, residents can invest in photovoltaic systems by buying up to five “solar packages” – individual solar modules priced at €250 each. In return, they receive a share of the electricity generated, along with an annual payment. The payment, which increases in line with the amount of solar energy produced, includes a guaranteed minimum of €52.32 per year, which can be used as a voucher towards Wien Energie’s electricity bills.

The first plant, located at the Donaustadt power station, sold out all shares in record time.

The latest addition to the network is a plant in Zillingdorf, northeast of Wiener Neustadt, which is expected to generate over nine million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually – enough to power around 2,600 households. Wien Energie reported that all 12,500 solar modules at the Zillingdorf plant sold out within just eight hours.

For many participants, the primary motivation is the opportunity to support climate-friendly energy production, even if they are unable to install their own solar systems. Individuals also have the option to sell their shares back to Wien Energie, though this has rarely occurred, the company notes. With older installations, the term was tied to the plant’s lifespan, but with newer projects, customers receive vouchers valid for five years.

To date, private investors have contributed over €40 million to the development of these solar power plants. Wien Energie plans to continue expanding its network, with further sites already in the works, though details remain under wraps for now.