Rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems as a tool for local energy transition in coal-dependent municipalities

The Pelagonia region, represented by the municipalities of Bitola, Mogila, and Novaci, is the energy core of the Republic of North Macedonia, yet also one of its most polluted areas due to the longstanding dependence on the Bitola lignite-fired power plant. In the context of the European energy transition and the need for economy-wide decarbonization, local communities play a key role in the
shift towards sustainable energy sources.This paper presents results from a project-based assessment evaluating the potential forinstalling photovoltaic (PV) systems on public and municipal buildings in Bitola, Mogila, and Novaci.
Using PV*SOL premium simulation software, optimal installed power, expected annual electricity generation, and associated CO₂ emission savings were calculated for each building. The results obtained enable an assessment of the realistic contribution of these systems to reducing coal dependency, while enhancing the energy autonomy of local public institutions such as schools, kindergartens, health centers and other state facilities. Based on the simulation data, the Center for Climate Change performed the mapping of the analyzed buildings and their PV potential in QGIS
Cloud, providing a public and transparent visualization of the results. The study highlights both the technical and social dimensions of the local energy transition and
demonstrates that small-scale, decentralized PV systems can represent an important first step toward a post-coal future for Bitola and the wider Pelagonia region, contributing simultaneously to CO₂ reduction and improved air quality