This report outlines the Open Society Foundations–Western Balkans’ strategic approach to the energy transition, emphasizing the need to balance large-scale renewable energy development with a stronger role for citizens and local actors. It reviews recent growth in solar photovoltaic deployment across the Western Balkans and highlights the slow uptake of small-scale prosumers, mainly due to technical and regulatory barriers in distribution grid connections. Focusing on the integration of distributed solar PV into low- and medium-voltage networks, the report identifies key obstacles and provides practical recommendations for distribution system operators, regulators, and governments to enable more efficient grid use and support the development of citizens energy.