PVMAX: ACCELERATING ROOFTOP SOLAR DEPLOYMENT IN CROATIA

Between June 2021 and June 2025, the Regional Energy Agency of North-West Croatia (REGEA) coordinated the PVMax project, one of the most ambitious technical assistance initiatives for photovoltaic (PV) deployment in Croatia. Financed through the European Investment Bank’s ELENA facility, PVMax provided comprehensive support for integrated PV systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and electricity-related energy efficiency measures in buildings across the country.

Addressing barriers to solar deployment

Despite strong solar potential, the large-scale deployment of rooftop PV in Croatia has long been constrained by a combination of regulated electricity prices, limited grid capacity, complex permitting procedures, and a lack of bankable project pipelines. PVMax was designed to address these barriers by offering integrated technical assistance to public authorities, commercial actors, and households, with the aim of triggering concrete investments in renewable energy.

A one-stop shop for project development

Over the project’s lifetime, PVMax supported more than 750 clients across the public, commercial, and residential sectors. REGEA acted as a one-stop shop, providing technical, financial, and legal assistance covering feasibility studies, system design, permitting, financing models, procurement preparation, and applications for EU funding. These services were delivered by a dedicated team of 15 experts, supported by 24 specialised subcontractors.

As a result, the project generated a robust pipeline of nearly 200 MWp of PV capacity. Of this pipeline, 255 PV projects totalling 64 MWp and nine energy efficiency projects were fully developed and implemented, representing more than€ 50 million in eligible capital expenditure.

Delivering measurable market impact

PVMax had a direct and measurable impact on Croatia’s renewable energy market. By the end of 2024, the PV capacity deployed through the project accounted for more than 10% of the total installed PV capacity at national level. Beyond capacity figures, the project promoted integrated solutions combining PV generation, energy efficiency, and storage, contributing to reduced fossil fuel dependence and improved local energy self-sufficiency. By prioritising rooftop installations on existing buildings, PVMax also helped avoid additional land use.

Standardisation and bankability

A key innovation of PVMax was the development of standardised documentation and procedures for PV deployment in both the public and private sectors. The project supported a range of financing and delivery models, including “Design and Build”, “Turnkey”, and “Design, Build and Finance” schemes, such as corporate power purchase agreements. This standardised approach improved the bankability of solar projects, increased investor confidence, and demonstrated strong potential for replication and scaling across Europe.

Engaging citizens and building legacy

To strengthen community engagement, REGEA worked closely with one of its founding members, the City of Zagreb, to develop a digital platform for households. The platform provides automated PV feasibility assessments and guidance through the permitting process, significantly lowering entry barriers for residential solar adoption.

Following the project’s completion, REGEA institutionalised the PVMax one-stop-shop model as a permanent advisory service. Continued collaboration with the City of Zagreb is further enhancing the digital platform, with the ambition of scaling it up into a national reference model. In this way, PVMax has laid the foundations for sustained growth in rooftop PV deployment across Croatia’s public and private sectors.

This best practice is extracted from our publication ‘Sustainable Regions in Action‘. Discover more best practices here!