The Lumiar Civil Parish was the last member to join the Sun4All Community of Practice, at the beginning of 2024. Although they joined the initiative a bit later than other members, their work in renewable energy projects began in 2020, laying the groundwork for significant advancements.

Lumiar's flagship project features a solar photovoltaic (PV) installation on a public building, generating 7.15 kW peak energy. This energy is shared among 17 members, including the parish itself, 13 local families, and 3 energy-poor households. The project is managed by a non-profit association, which has facilitated licensing and financial arrangements. Members contribute to installation costs, while energy-poor households are exempt from these expenses, with their share covered by other members and the parish.

The project faced a significant challenge: Portuguese regulations required that energy be first consumed by the building before any surplus could be shared. Despite this constraint, the building's minimal energy use meant that members still enjoyed substantial benefits.

Joining the Sun4All Community of Practice has been instrumental for Lumiar. The Community provided crucial support and inspiration for their next ambitious project - a 34 kW PV installation for a sports facility. This new project aims to expand the benefits to 60 members, including 10 energy-poor households, and introduces new elements such as packages for small businesses and local NGOs.

Through their journey, Lumiar has learned the importance of building a strong community foundation and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. Key lessons include:

• Establishing clear and transparent processes.
• Identifying and engaging the right stakeholders.
• Celebrating small victories to maintain momentum.
• Adapting funding schemes to local contexts and seeking external funding opportunities.

Lumiar Civil Parish’s experience highlights the value of community-driven energy projects and offers a roadmap for others looking to make a positive impact. Their commitment to expanding their efforts and engaging with the Sun4All Community of Practice sets a benchmark for future projects in renewable energy.