Between 2017 and 2021, the city of Lisbon experienced a quadrupling of its cumulative photovoltaic capacity, increasing from 2MW to 8MW. As the third sunniest European city, Lisbon boasts abundant sunshine and optimal solar exposure on its building roofs, with a maximum of 40% solar exposure. This translates to an energy generation potential equivalent to 95% of the city's electricity consumption in 2016.

The Lisbon Solar Strategy aims to achieve 103MW (equivalent to 178W per capita) of installed photovoltaic capacity within the city by 2030. This goal represents a crucial milestone in the journey towards climate neutrality and the eradication of energy poverty by 2050.

Most solar panels in Lisbon are installed on public buildings, with some integrated into older structures, such as the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Lisbon. Others are seamlessly incorporated into the architectural design of new buildings, exemplified by installations at the Campolide railway station and the Solar XXI building of the National Energy and Geology Laboratory. The latter serves as a demonstration of energy-efficient building practices, integrating both active and passive technologies.

In the private sector, the Natura Towers office complex stands out as a beacon of sustainable development. Featuring photovoltaic panels on both rooftops and facades, coupled with a rainwater collection and storage system for nurturing a vertical garden, it exemplifies holistic sustainability principles in modern architecture.

The opportunity for small-scale producers to sell surplus energy to the national electricity grid has also emerged as a significant incentive for private entities to invest in solar panels, alongside available subsidies for financing.

Another notable initiative is the formation of energy cooperatives, enabling both individual producers and sole consumers to collaborate in sharing electricity production and consumption. Within this framework, the Lisbon City Council has planned the installation of a 2MW photovoltaic plant in Carnide, aimed at powering its own buildings and social housing units, emphasizing a commitment to community-driven energy solutions.

https://www.solis-lisboa.pt/
https://ciencias.ulisboa.pt/pt/o-campus
https://repositorio.lneg.pt/handle/10400.9/1321
https://repositorio.lneg.pt/bitstream/10400.9/1549/1/solarXXI_CA_EPBD_April2011.pdf
https://gjp.pt/natura-towers/
 

• SDG 7 Affordable and clean energy: Sustainable production of clean energy from the sun
• SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities: Reducing the environmental impact of electricity consumption in the city
• SDG 13 Climate Action: Integrating climate change measures into municipal policies, strategies and planning
   

1. How much is the total installed photovoltaic capacity in Lisbon buildings?
2. How much is the capacity to be installed in the city by 2030?
3. What are the measures that encourage individuals to installate solar panels?

Edu.In