Empowering Citizens with Solar Energy – A Regional Initiative Led by Friends of Korça

Friends of Korça Association is proud to launch an inspiring new regional project that brings together civil society, universities, and renewable-energy experts from across the Western Balkans. Over the next 10 months, we will work to empower citizens, support communities, and accelerate the region’s shift toward clean and affordable solar energy.

This initiative places people at the heart of the green transition, helping them become active contributors to a more sustainable, resilient, and energy-independent future.

A Vision for a Solar-Powered Western Balkans

At the core of the project is the creation of Western Balkans SolarNet—a dynamic online platform designed to become the main regional hub for solar energy. SolarNet will connect organizations, share success stories, offer guidance on solar installation procedures, and showcase innovative solutions that citizens can adopt to save energy and reduce costs.

Why This Project Matters

  • Solar energy can lift thousands of families out of energy poverty while reducing pollution.
  • Citizens gain access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy.
  • Governments receive expert guidance to align with key European initiatives such as the EU Solar Strategy and REPowerEU.
  • Civil society across the region is equipped to advocate, collaborate, and drive meaningful policy changes.

What We Will Do

  • Host a regional Kick-Off Meeting in Tirana to launch cooperation among partners.
  • Organize interactive webinars that explain solar opportunities and challenges in each Western Balkan country.
  • Run a series of advocacy and media campaigns to inform and mobilize the public.
  • Develop and launch the interactive SolarNet platform, open to all citizens and stakeholders.
  • Conclude with a Final Conference, where results and recommendations will be presented to decision makers.

Who Benefits

This project supports civil society organizations, local communities, universities, businesses, and public institutions across the Western Balkans. Most importantly, it benefits citizens—especially families facing energy poverty—by promoting cleaner homes, lower energy bills, and healthier environments.

A Lasting Impact

SolarNet is designed to thrive well beyond the project’s lifetime. With strong regional partnerships and growing interest from citizens and donors, the platform will continue expanding as a center for knowledge, advocacy, and innovation in solar energy.