Solar Power Profits Returned to Residents Through Dividends and Community Welfare
Up to 85% of Total Project Cost Financed; Subsidy Support for ESS Installation Under Review
Haenam County in South Jeolla Province has launched a promotional campaign targeting all towns and villages to expand participation in the government's national initiative, the "Sunlight Income Village Project." With a goal of engaging 100 villages, Haenam County is actively encouraging participation through informational sessions and on-site consultations for residents.
According to Haenam County on December 22, the Sunlight Income Village Project is a resident-led renewable energy initiative in which villagers directly participate in solar power generation projects and share the profits. The government aims to establish 500 such villages each year by 2030, with the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs jointly leading the effort with related agencies.
In preparation for the public call for applications, the county has received expressions of interest from 40 sites across 11 townships. Final selections will be made after reviewing site conditions, resident consent, and project feasibility.
The project is driven by resident organizations such as village cooperatives, and the profits from power generation are returned to the community through cash dividends to residents, welfare projects for the village, reductions in electricity bills, and support for vulnerable groups. Eligible installation sites include idle land, agrivoltaic facilities, rooftop installations, and public land, with solar equipment capacities ranging from 300kW to 1MW.
Selected villages will be given priority access to financial support covering up to 85% of the total project cost. Additional support will be considered for the installation of resident-participatory energy storage systems (ESS) through linked subsidy programs. Looking ahead, the county plans to introduce the Renewable Energy Service Company (ReSCO) system to oversee the entire process from design and construction to operation and administration, thereby minimizing the burden on the villages.
A county official stated, "The Sunlight Income Village Project is not just about installing solar panels; it is a project where residents take the lead in creating future income for their village. We will expand participation to all towns and villages to establish a Haenam-style Sunlight Income model."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
