The remote self-consumption model uses renewable energy installations to democratize access to clean and sustainable electricity, while addressing the problem of escalating prices. Its aim is to reduce electricity expenditure for individuals and companies that, for various reasons, cannot install solar panels.
In this article we are going to teach you What is remote self-consumption?, what are its characteristics and what advantages it has.
What does remote self-consumption mean?
Remote self-consumption consists of leasing the rights to use solar panels located in a solar park instead of at the place of consumption, allowing the lessee to use the renewable energy produced by said panels.
This approach enables people who do not have the space for solar panels at home or at work, as well as those who have the space but are poorly oriented or have legal restrictions, to access clean energy and reduce their electricity costs.
Solar parks can be located several kilometers from the place of consumption, and The companies that provide this remote self-consumption service are specialized energy providers that must have the necessary permits to operate in this capacity.
As for the number of panels to be rented, similarly to a standard photovoltaic system, the energy consumption must be evaluated and the intended use of the energy generated identified to determine the number of solar panels required.
In other words, it is essential to generate the energy necessary to sustain this renewable self-consumption.
Objective of remote self-consumption
The aim of remote self-consumption is not to replace conventional solar panel installations, but to ensure that both individuals and companies can access clean, renewable and sustainable energy, which will allow them to reduce their energy costs.
Remote self-consumption It runs on energy generated by large photovoltaic solar parks, which are supervised by specialized companies that form alliances with official distribution companies.
Before we delve into the details of how these models work, it is crucial to mention that certain companies offer a comprehensive solution for energy production that incorporates multiple renewable sources, including solar and hydroelectric energy.
The connection between remote energy providers and the end consumer is structured as follows:
- Solar panels can be rented based on energy needs, with the only condition that you have a digital electric meter that checks consumption and compensates you. Normally, A contract of about 30 years is signed, which coincides with the useful life of the panels, during which the energy produced by them is received at no cost.
- The electricity generated by these solar parks is integrated into the electricity grid, improving both the accessibility and reliability of renewable energy. The electricity bill reflects a discount corresponding to the energy generated by the contracted panels, following a model similar to the compensation for excess energy from individual systems.
Normally, if more energy is needed than is generated, it can be purchased at the current market price. From the beginning, the cost of solar panels is beginning to be recovered through rental. A major problem arises when one finds it necessary to move after having signed a 30-year contract.
In this situation, you can continue to enjoy the energy generated in your new home, since your experience depends on the energy production and not on the location of the panels.
What advantages does remote solar self-consumption offer?
There are numerous advantages to remote solar self-consumption, many of them related to economic benefit, as detailed in the following points:
- The profitability of the installation is improved by placing solar panels in optimal orientations and selecting locations that ensure high levels of production.
- Access to clean energy does not require physical space at the place of consumption, which allows both individuals and companies to benefit from this energy production model.
- Environmental Protection. The energy produced is clean and sustainable.
- The investment and maintenance costs that the owner must assume in separate installations are reduced. The processes are simplified. By renting a remote self-consumption electricity service, you eliminate the need to comply with the technical specifications and obtain the necessary permits for each individual self-consumption installation.
- Reducing your electricity bills is achievable. Depending on the solar panels you choose, it is possible to receive a €0 bill, since all the energy generated is consumed; however, this option depends on the specific conditions detailed in each company's contract.
- This model is beneficial for a wide range of profiles. Whether they are individuals, legal entities, communities of owners, institutions or any other type of user, everyone can benefit from it.
- You can hire an unlimited number of panels, which can happen with individual or collective self-consumption when using shared facilities. If you need to move, as mentioned above, you can still benefit from the energy generated by the panels you have rented.
Distinction between a solar community and an energy community
A solar community is distinguished from an energy community in that the latter serves as a legal organization intended to provide energy services to a collective, such as a group of people, a neighborhood, or an industrial park.
These communities may use solar energy, but are not limited to it. They can also produce energy through other renewable sources such as wind energy. However, the price of electricity offered by your energy provider is one of the important factors in saving money on your electricity bill.
As you can see, there are different ways to generate renewable energy that will help you save on your electricity bill and contribute to reducing pollution and caring for the environment. This type of energy generation will become increasingly popular during the energy transition.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about what remote self-consumption is, its advantages and characteristics.