The remote self-consumption model is an innovative solution that is gaining more and more attention in the world of renewable energy. Through this system, the growing demand for clean energy and the need to democratize access to sustainable electricity are met. However, many households or businesses are unable to install solar panels on their roofs due to space limitations, poor orientation or legal barriers. Remote self-consumption allows these individuals or entities to enjoy solar energy, without the need to install panels on their property. Let's continue exploring what it is, how it works and what its most important advantages are.
What does remote self-consumption mean?
Remote self-consumption is a system that allows an individual or company to consume energy generated by solar panels installed far from their place of consumption, usually in solar parks located several kilometers away. Instead of having solar panels on their roof, consumers rent or buy the rights to use these panels.
This model is especially useful for those who do not have space on their roofs or live in communities of buildings where installing a photovoltaic system is complicated or even unfeasible. Instead of relying on an individual installation, the electricity generated by solar panels in these remote parks is fed into the electrical grid, allowing consumers to access it from anywhere with a remote self-consumption contract.
Beneficiaries of this system can determine the number of panels they wish to rent based on their energy consumption.. Sizing is carried out by the supplier company, which is also responsible for the maintenance and operation of the solar park, thus eliminating the users' responsibility for the maintenance of the panels.
Objective of remote self-consumption
Remote self-consumption aims primarily to reduce electricity costs in both homes and businesses, offering an alternative to those who cannot install solar panels for the reasons mentioned above. It also contributes to the fight against climate change, allowing more people to access renewable energy and reducing the demand for traditional energy from non-renewable sources.
This model takes advantage of large photovoltaic solar parks managed by specialized companies that are responsible for the production process and connection to the electrical grid. In this way, the consumer does not need to worry about permits, maintenance or system optimization.
How does remote self-consumption work?
The process of remote self-consumption is quite simple. The main stages are as follows:
- The consumer signs a contract with an energy company that offers the remote self-consumption service.
- Choose the number of solar panels according to your energy needs, which are located in solar parks.
- The energy generated by the panels is injected into the general electricity grid.
- The amount of energy generated by the rented panels is deducted from the electricity bill, following a compensation model similar to that of local self-consumption.
If the user's consumption is less than the energy generated, the surplus is fed back into the grid, for which additional remuneration can also be obtained.
Advantages of remote solar self-consumption
Remote self-consumption offers numerous advantages, both economic and environmental, making it a very attractive option for many consumers:
- Full accessibility without space limitations:Even if your building does not allow the installation of solar panels, you can access clean energy.
- Zero maintenance: Since you do not physically own the panels, you are not responsible for maintenance or repairs.
- Significant savings: Depending on the number of panels you rent, you can drastically reduce your electricity bill, even down to €0 in some cases.
- Scalability: If you move, the contract remains the same since energy production does not depend on the location of your home.
- Environmental contribution: Using renewable energy helps reduce carbon emissions and the impact on the environment.
What is the difference between remote self-consumption, solar communities and energy communities?
Remote self-consumption differs from the solar communities y energy communities, although these three concepts pursue similar objectives. Solar communities consist of sharing the energy generated by a group of small producers, while energy communities can include various energy sources, such as wind or hydroelectric, in their production mix.
Remote self-consumption, although it can be part of a solar community, is usually focused solely on solar energy and does not require the active collaboration of several consumers in the same project, as happens in an energy community.
Cost and amortization of remote self-consumption
The cost of remote self-consumption depends on the number of solar panels rented and the conditions of the contract with the energy company. According to various sources, renting a solar panel can cost around €1.200 and generate around 30.000 kWh over its lifetime.
The investment can be paid back within 10 to 15 years, although this will depend on electricity prices on the market and the amount of energy generated by the panels. Over the life of the contract, users can save more than €30.000 on their electricity bill.
Ultimately, remote self-consumption is an excellent solution for those looking to take advantage of renewable energy, even if they cannot install solar panels on their property. It allows them to save money, contribute to caring for the environment and overcome physical or legal barriers that limit the installation of conventional solar systems.