Prosumer - HDsolar

News

The Solar Revolution at the Doorstep: New Regulations and Batteries Will Change Everything in 2026.

17. 09. 2025. admin

The Solar Revolution at the Doorstep: New Regulations and Batteries Will Change Everything in 2026.

The Solar Revolution at the Doorstep: New Regulations and Batteries Will Change Everything in 2026

It’s important to highlight that the new rules will not apply to existing solar power users — they will continue to benefit from the net metering system for the next ten years from the date their solar plant was put into permanent operation.

Starting January 1, 2026, Croatia will implement new rules for the use of residential solar power systems. The current net metering model — where households could “store” surplus energy in the grid and use it later without additional cost — will be phased out. Instead, excess energy will be sold to the grid at buyback rates, while energy drawn from the grid will be charged at full price, including network fees.

At first glance, this may seem like a disadvantage, but it’s actually a step toward a more modern and efficient way of using solar energy — one that has long been standard in Western Europe. This shift will bring Croatia closer to European practices, where the combination of solar power systems and battery storage is already the norm. This is the next phase in the energy transition: maximizing the use of self-generated electricity and increasing energy independence.

The key change is that battery storage systems will become an increasingly essential part of every solar power setup. They allow households to store excess energy produced during the day and use it in the evening or during peak demand periods.

Existing Users and Those Who Join by the End of 2025 – No Changes

It’s important to note that the new rules will not apply to existing solar system users — they will continue to use the current net metering model for ten years from the date their system was put into permanent operation.

The same applies to anyone who obtains a Connection Feasibility Notification from HEP ODS by December 31, 2025.

In other words, households that install a solar system by the end of 2025 will be part of the current system of calculating energy surpluses and continue to enjoy the benefits of net metering. That’s why many experts believe the second half of 2025 is the perfect time to invest.

What’s Coming in 2026?

For households installing solar systems after January 1, 2026, the new rules don’t mean the end of profitability, but rather the beginning of a new phase in which technologies like battery systems will play a central role. Instead of feeding excess energy into the grid, the focus will increasingly shift toward storing self-produced energy and using it when the household needs it most. This gives users greater independence from the grid and better control over their consumption.

This approach is especially welcome at a time when electricity prices are rising, while self-production remains stable and predictable. Solar power systems will continue to offer long-term savings since they produce energy for decades after installation, backed by extended warranties and insurance.

It’s also important to emphasize that choosing quality equipment becomes even more crucial under the new system. Microinverters stand out in particular — unlike central inverters, these are installed individually on each solar panel. This setup allows each panel to operate independently, improving safety and efficiency while also making future system expansion easier. If a household later decides to add more panels or integrate battery storage, it can do so without major modifications.

A Trusted Provider with Proven Technology

In the Croatian market, ENNA Next is well known for its use of microinverter technology, with over 3,000 solar systems sold and more than 150 upgrades completed. Their systems are fully compatible with battery storage technology and come with a 25-year equipment warranty and 10 years of insurance against natural disasters. This gives buyers peace of mind and long-term value — essential for an investment that spans decades.

At ENNA Next, they advise customers to carefully examine what is being offered — from the technology and customer support to the reputation and reliability of the provider.

This content was created in collaboration with the ENNA Group.

News

FERK considers raising electricity prices for Elektroprivreda BiH users on Wednesday

22. 07. 2025. admin

The Energy Regulatory Commission in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will hold its 14th regular session on Wednesday in Mostar, and one of the agenda items is a discussion on the request of Elektroprivreda BiH to increase the price of electricity.

Source: klix.ba

This is an agenda item entitled Consideration and Decision on the Proposal for Prices for Supply of End Customers by the Public Supplier JP Elektroprivreda BiH d.d. – Sarajevo, which was announced on the FERK website.

Incidentally, this price increase was explained at the Elektroprivreda BiH press conference held on June 30 this year.

Block tariffs have been proposed, and as Ikanović said, they have blue, green and red bills. Estimates of the average increase in bills for the so-called green bills are 4.8 percent, blue 6.3 percent and red 8.0 percent.

Let us remind you that FERK, as a regulatory body, must first approve the proposal of the Electric Power Company for the correction of electricity prices in order for an increase to actually occur.

News

Prosumers will finally be able to charge for excess energy!

07. 07. 2025. admin

Prosumers, or so-called buyers – producers of electricity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, will finally be able to charge for excess electricity produced from solar power plants as of August 6, 2025.

Source: solarno.net

The first to exercise this right will be 56 prosumers in the Republic of Srpska. After years of waiting, the Mixed Holding “Elektroprivreda Republika Srpska” has invited them to conclude supply contracts, even though they are not taxpayers, reports Buka.

This possibility arises from the amendments to the Rulebook on the Implementation of the Law on Value Added Tax, published in the “Official Gazette of BiH” No. 25/25 on April 29, 2025, which entered into force on May 7, and applies after 90 days, i.e. from August 6.

By concluding the contract, buyers-producers exercise the right to be billed for electricity under the net metering system. Net metering is a commercial scheme in which excess electricity produced by a buyer-producer is delivered to the grid and transferred as an energy credit to the next billing period, thereby reducing consumption in periods when consumption exceeds production.

The right to net metering and net billing is available to electricity customers throughout the country. Given that the Federation is only just beginning to implement legal provisions relating to prosumers, there is no information yet on how many legal or natural persons have exercised this option.

As for the RS, if the buyers-producers who have so far received permits to be prosumers do not conclude a contract within the given deadline, “ERS” will continue to send them invoices only for the electricity delivered, without the possibility of calculating surpluses from their own production.

Prosumers have been waiting for years

Prosumers are key players in the energy transition because they not only reduce consumption from centralized sources, but also feed the excess energy produced into the grid, thereby contributing to sustainable development. However, although the legal framework and rights to net metering were established several years ago in the RS, and then in the FBiH and the Brčko District, prosumer rights have been violated for years.

As a reminder, the High School Center in Lopare, the first official prosumer since December 2023, has not yet received a contract that would allow it to fairly calculate its excess energy. According to data, about 56 prosumers in the RS face the same problem, while ERS takes over their excess energy and sells it, but does not pay them for it.

The Energy Regulatory Commission of the Republic of Srpska (RERS) has already twice ordered ERS to conclude contracts with prosumers and calculate energy according to the net metering system, and the Indirect Taxation Authority of BiH has confirmed that there are no VAT obstacles to this system.

However, ERS refused to act on these orders, citing ambiguities regarding VAT. With these amendments to the Regulation, all obstacles to prosumers receiving their compensation for the electricity they produce have finally been removed.

The right time to build a solar power plant for your own needs

Considering the announcements that in the coming period, the Federation will separate the Elektrodistribucija from the Elektroprivreda system, which will likely affect the new, experts say, significant increase in the price of electricity, now is the right time to become prosumers and produce electricity from your own solar power plant.

“On the one hand, we will have an increase in the price of electricity, and on the other hand, we already have extremely low equipment prices. Households, whose monthly electricity bills range up to 100 KM, need to allocate around 5,000 KM + VAT to build a mini-solar power plant on their roof. These are households that consume an average of 3 kW of electricity. With a large number of credit lines with favorable interest rates, and incentives that will increase in the coming period, the return on investment is up to 5 years, and the lifespan of the solar power plant is 25 years,” says Ekrem Mušić, director of EMT SOLAR.

Compared to Serbia and Montenegro, which already have 2,000 and 4,000 prosumers returning excess energy to the grid, BiH is still at the beginning.

And citizens are very interested in being energy independent.

Research by Operators for Renewable Energy Sources and Efficient Cogeneration (OIEiEK) from last year showed that more than 97% of the FBiH is interested in building solar power plants for their own needs, but that they are hindered by a lack of funds and legal and regulatory framework. Finally, most of these problems have been resolved.

News

Everything You Need to Know: Who Are Prosumers, and Is It Worth Becoming One in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

29. 01. 2025. admin

Have you ever thought about being both a producer and a consumer of electricity at the same time?

This is exactly what the concept of a prosumer allows—combining two roles to achieve savings and contribute to sustainability. But who exactly are prosumers, and is this model financially viable in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Source: bljesak.info

What Does It Mean to Be a Prosumer?

The term “prosumer” comes from the English words producer (manufacturer) and consumer (user). A prosumer is an end user of electricity who produces part of their energy from renewable sources, most commonly through solar panels installed on their home’s roof. The energy they do not consume can be fed into the power grid and “saved” for later use.

For example, a household that consumes around 4,000 kWh of electricity annually could install a 4 kW solar power plant on a 20 m² roof, costing approximately 4,000 BAM. This would significantly reduce their electricity expenses, and the surplus energy produced in the summer could be used in the winter.

How to Become a Prosumer in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Becoming a prosumer is not a simple process, but it is feasible. The steps include:

Installing solar panels on your roof.
Obtaining the necessary permits from relevant authorities and distribution operators.
Signing a contract with the electricity distributor.

After completing these steps, you become a user who can produce energy for personal use and choose between two billing schemes:

Net metering: Excess energy is recorded as an energy credit.
Net billing: Excess energy is converted into monetary compensation based on agreed terms.

By installing a power plant, obtaining the necessary permits from ministries and distribution system operators, and signing a contract with the distributor, the consumer acquires the right to be both a producer and a consumer of renewable electricity, thus gaining prosumer status.

As a prosumer, they can generate electricity to cover part of their consumption, thereby reducing electricity bills. In practice, this means that during summer, a prosumer may consume all the electricity they produce, eliminating the need to purchase electricity from their supplier. Any surplus beyond their needs is fed into the grid, where their supplier “stores” it for the winter months when the prosumer consumes more than they produce. This stored energy is then returned through a reduction in electricity bills.

The surplus energy can be accounted for in two ways:

Energy credit: Reduces the amount of electricity drawn from the supplier.
Monetary credit: Converts surplus energy into financial compensation at a rate of 90% of the electricity cost (excluding grid fees).

This is the key difference between choosing net billing (monetary credit) or net metering (energy credit).

Opportunities and Challenges for Prosumers in Bosnia and Herzegovina

While the prosumer concept is growing in the region—led by Slovenia with 50,000 prosumers, followed by Croatia and Montenegro—Bosnia and Herzegovina is still lagging.

The main issues include:

A complex permit issuance process that still needs simplification.
The lack of VAT treatment for prosumers, pending regulatory changes.
Unclear procedures for connecting solar power plants to the grid.

On the positive side, the Renewable Energy Law provides subsidies for setting up such installations. However, slow regulatory adaptation currently limits the faster development of this concept in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Why Become a Prosumer?

Beyond obvious savings, prosumer status offers several advantages:

Energy independence – reduced reliance on external suppliers.
Environmental awareness – contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions.
Long-term profitability – while initial investments may be high, the return on investment comes through reduced electricity costs.
Investment vs. savings ratio – payback time is relatively short, at most four years. With rising electricity prices, the return will be even faster.

Time for Action

Bosnia and Herzegovina has enormous potential for growing the prosumer model, but this potential must be supported by effective legislative and regulatory frameworks.

Although authorities have introduced necessary acts and procedures, the process is still stalled as utility companies have yet to implement them. These companies currently hold the keys to unlocking the system.

With hope for acceleration in the process, if you wish to be part of the energy transition and achieve real savings, becoming a prosumer is certainly an option worth considering.

For citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the biggest challenge remains adapting existing procedures and utilizing available subsidies, while businesses also have the opportunity to become prosumers.

With some patience and timely information, you can join the global trend of energy independence and sustainability.

Okrugli stol u Mostaru: Prosumerska postrojenja imaju ključnu ulogu u provođenju energetske tranzicije

Events

Round Table in Mostar: Prosumer Facilities Play a Key Role in Implementing the Energy Transition

27. 01. 2025. admin

The Renewable Energy and Efficient Cogeneration Operator (OIEiEK Operator) organized a round table yesterday in Mostar on the topic: “Harmonization of Existing and New Regulations to Simplify Procedures for Obtaining Permits for Prosumers.”

Source: OIEiEK

The event brought together representatives of the Energy Regulatory Commission in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Industry, the Federal Ministry of Spatial Planning, JP Elektroprivreda HZHB d.d. Mostar, JP Elektroprivreda BiH d.d. Sarajevo, representatives of cantonal ministries responsible for construction and spatial planning from the Zenica-Doboj, Posavina, Central Bosnia, Herzegovina-Neretva, West Herzegovina, Canton 10, and Una-Sana cantons, as well as representatives of the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and international organizations such as USAID EPA 2 and GIZ.

The round table was held to fulfill obligations stemming from Article 51, Paragraph (2) of the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources and Efficient Cogeneration (“Official Gazette of the Federation of BiH,” No. 82/23), specifically regarding the simplification of procedures for obtaining permits for prosumers by cantonal authorities.

Armin Đuliman, a technical associate for mechanical phase and research and development at the OIEiEK Operator, presented the role of prosumer facilities in the energy transition, emphasizing the benefits for both citizens and businesses investing in these facilities. The presentation included an overview of EU regulations and examples of best practices from the European Union and the region.

Particular attention was given to the experiences of certain cantons in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina that have already adopted simplified procedures for constructing rooftop solar power plants, which can now be registered as prosumer facilities under the new legal framework. Aida Sumbuljević, Assistant Minister for Spatial Planning and Construction in the Zenica-Doboj Canton, also addressed this topic.

During the open discussion, representatives of cantonal ministries explained the current situation and outlined the steps taken to meet legal obligations, expressing full readiness to simplify procedures for obtaining permits for prosumers.

Speaking about the obligation and importance of promoting prosumer facilities and informing the public about the benefits of investing in their construction, OIEiEK Operator spokesperson Nataša Mandrapa informed attendees that the Operator has adopted a Public Information Program. She announced that promotional activities would continue to ensure that all information about construction and co-financing benefits of prosumer facilities is promptly made available to all interested parties in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It should be noted that on October 2, the OIEiEK Operator held a joint meeting with representatives of the Energy Regulatory Commission in the Federation of BiH, the Federal Ministry of Energy, Mining, and Industry, and power companies in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to meet obligations related to simplifying the connection procedures for prosumers.

At the round table, representatives of JP EP HZHB d.d. Mostar, Maria Đogić, and JP EP BiH d.d. Sarajevo, Džemo Borovina, provided updates on the progress made in preparing the necessary secondary legislation, which incorporates simplified approaches for connecting rooftop prosumer facilities. They noted that these measures would take effect once cantonal ministries complete their tasks. Additionally, they highlighted an agreement between the two power companies to jointly approach the Indirect Taxation Authority to resolve the remaining uncertainties related to calculating excess electricity generated and fed into the grid by prosumer facilities, through amendments to the VAT Law Implementation Rulebook in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The round table participants expressed a shared commitment to further collaboration in fulfilling obligations to simplify the construction and connection procedures for prosumer facilities and promoting renewable energy sources. Particular support for these efforts was expressed by Mak Kamenica, Director of USAID’s Energy Sector Assistance Project 2 (USAID EPA 2) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The purpose of this project is to provide technical assistance for developing a sustainable energy sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A father holding his son and a mother holding her daughter, all smiling while holding a model of a house with solar panels on the roof.

News

Results of the Survey on the Interest of Citizens of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Potential Investments in the Construction of Solar Power Plants – Prosumers

27. 01. 2025. admin

Between September 4 and December 31, 2023, the Renewable Energy and Efficient Cogeneration Operator (OIEiEK Operator) conducted a survey to assess the interest of citizens in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in potential investments in the construction of solar power plants – prosumers. A total of 494 respondents participated in the survey by completing an online questionnaire on the OIEiEK Operator’s website. The report on the research results is available on the Operator’s website (www.oieiek.ba).

Source: OIEiEK

This survey aimed to collect data on the interest in investments in the construction of solar power plants and gather opinions on one-time financial support for building solar power plants – prosumers, which is a new responsibility of the OIEiEK Operator under the new Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources and Efficient Cogeneration.

The results of the survey show that the interest of citizens in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in constructing solar power plants – prosumers is high, with 97.3% of respondents expressing interest in building such energy facilities. According to the respondents, the greatest interest in constructing these facilities was expressed in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton (19.8%), followed by Sarajevo Canton (19.6%), and Zenica-Doboj Canton (16.1%).

With the new Law on Renewable Energy Sources and Efficient Cogeneration granting the OIEiEK Operator the authority to implement one-time co-financing for the construction of prosumer facilities in the household category, citizens’ opinions on this type of co-financing were of great importance to the Operator.

The survey found that 99% of respondents would be motivated to build a solar power plant – prosumer if they were provided with one-time financial support in the form of a subsidy covering a percentage of the investment value. According to respondents, a subsidy covering an average of 50% of the total investment value would suffice to encourage them to undertake such projects.

The procedure for one-time co-financing of the construction of prosumer facilities in the household category will be regulated by a program to be adopted by the OIEiEK Operator, with prior approval from the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This program will define the allocation of one-time financial support, the social aspects of co-financing, the level of support, criteria for eligibility, and provisions for fair regional participation. The results of this survey will be used, among other things, to create a more equitable percentage of one-time co-financing.

Respondents identified the lack of financial resources, unclear and complicated permitting procedures, and lengthy processing times by relevant institutions as the main barriers to investing in the construction of solar power plants – prosumers. Additionally, they highlighted a lack of information about the procedures and the benefits of investing in such energy facilities.

Recognizing its responsibility in the renewable energy market, the OIEiEK Operator has included activities in its 2024 Work Plan to conduct educational workshops, organize meetings with representatives of cantonal ministries, local communities, and the media, and launch a public information campaign about the benefits of investing in the construction of solar power plants – prosumers.

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with the OIEiEK Operator, aims to encourage the construction of as many solar power plants – prosumers as possible, particularly in the household category, to reduce citizens’ energy dependence. The public information campaign will focus particularly on the cantons where the survey results indicate the lowest interest in investments in such energy facilities.

To simplify the permitting procedures for investing in solar power plants, the OIEiEK Operator has already initiated plans for joint meetings with representatives of cantonal ministries and other relevant institutions to discuss adapting construction-related regulations. The Operator will organize these meetings to ensure uniform procedures and simplified permit processes across the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This includes aligning the procedures arising from cantonal construction laws for building solar power plants on residential properties.

Report on the Research Results of the Renewable Energy and Efficient Cogeneration Operator on the Interest of Citizens of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Potential Investments in the Construction of Solar Power Plants – Prosumers