As we saw in our previous article, the heritage of ecclesiastical entities has immense energetic and social potential. Are you ready to transform it into a common good?
We have therefore developed for you an operational roadmap to launch a feasibility study that is not only technical, but economic-social: it simulates how much the Entity will save and how much energy it will be able to “donate” or “sell at a subsidized price” to parish families or other Third Sector organizations.
1. Energy Analysis and surface census
The first step is purely technical: understanding “how much” and “where” energy can be produced.
- Consumption check-up: analysis of the last year’s utility bills to map the Entity’s consumption profiles.
- Surface verification: technical site inspection of roofs (flat roofs), land, or outbuildings to evaluate solar exposure and structural integrity.
- Identification of the Primary Substation (Cabina Primaria): verify which portion of the electricity grid (area served by the Primary Substation) the Entity belongs to; this defines the geographical perimeter within which other members can join the REC (CER).
2. Verification of the legal “Dual Nature”
Before signing any act, the Entity must ensure that the operation is consistent with its own legal system:
- Canonical Compliance: verify if the operation constitutes an act of extraordinary administration. In this case, authorization from the Diocesan Ordinary or the Holy See will be necessary (according to value thresholds).
- Statute of the Entity: check that the activities of the REC are compatible with the purposes of religion and worship expressed in the statute.
3. Definition of the Governance model
The REC (CER) is an autonomous legal entity. It is necessary to choose the most suitable “form”:
- Choice of the legal form: usually, the choice falls on an Unincorporated Association (more streamlined) or a Cooperative (if management is complex).
- Drafting of the Statute: it must include clauses that allow the Ecclesiastical Entity to maintain strategic control or veto power over fundamental decisions, while still guaranteeing the democratic nature required by law.
4. Management of surface rights
If the system is built by third parties or by the REC itself on a building owned by the Entity, a notary deed must be drawn up for the establishment of surface rights (usually for 20 years), clearly defining who bears the maintenance costs of the roof and the system.
5. GSE Registration and accreditation
Once the REC is established and the systems are installed, registration on the portal of the Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE) will be necessary to obtain the REC qualification and start receiving incentives for energy sharing.
6. Conclusions
To allow the consultants at Fiat Lux Legal to provide you with a targeted initial technical and legal feedback, here is a check-list of documents and information you can attach to your contact request:
- Cadastral data and location: provide the exact address of the property for a preliminary assessment of solar exposure and any landscape constraints.
- Recent electricity bill: a complete copy of the latest invoice to identify the POD (Point of Delivery) code and verify the type of meter installed.
- Surface census: an approximate indication of the square footage available on roofs, flat roofs, or relevant land.
- Legal framework: specify if the Entity is a Civilly Recognized Ecclesiastical Entity (EECR) or if it has already assumed the status of a Third Sector Entity (ETS).
- REC Goals: a brief description of who you would like to involve in the project (e.g., neighboring parishes, community families, small local businesses).
We are at your complete disposal to transform your heritage into an active and supportive resource. Do not hesitate to write to us at info@fiatlux.legal: we will help you build the energy future of your community!
With best regards,
Avv. Federica Loreti
Fiat Lux Legal