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Solar self-consumption is gaining popularity as a clean, economical and sustainable energy alternative for homes and businesses.
But what exactly is solar self-consumption, what types are there and what options are there for installing it?
What is Solar Self-consumption?
Solar self-consumption is the use of energy generated by solar panels to cover the electrical needs of a user, whether in a home, a community of neighbors, or a company.
Unlike conventional electricity supply, where the energy comes from the general grid, in solar self-consumption, users produce and consume their own energy, thus reducing their dependence on electricity companies and minimizing their carbon footprint.
Types of Solar Self-consumption
There are two main types of solar self-consumption:
- Self-consumption with surplus: In this type, the energy produced by the solar panels that is not consumed at the time is injected into the general electricity grid.
In exchange, the user receives financial compensation for the energy discharged, generally in the form of discounts on his electricity bill.
This type of self-consumption can be especially advantageous for those homes or businesses that generate more energy than they consume during certain hours of the day. - Self-consumption without surplus: In this case, the solar panel system is designed so that all the energy generated is consumed on site, avoiding the injection of surplus to the grid.
For this purpose, anti-spillage devices are used to prevent surplus energy from being sent to the grid.
This type of self-consumption is ideal for those who wish to maximize the use of their own energy and have no interest in receiving compensation for surpluses.
Types of Solar Panel Installations for Self Consumption
Depending on the type of self-consumption, there are different configurations for solar panel installations:
- Grid-connected installation (on-grid): This is the most common type of self-consumption installation with surplus.
The solar panels are connected to the electrical grid, which allows both the consumption of the energy generated and the injection of surpluses.
In addition, in the event that the panels do not produce enough energy, the system can draw electricity from the grid. - Off-grid installation: In this type of installation, the solar system is not connected to the grid.
It is ideal for remote areas where the grid does not reach or for users who wish to be completely self-sufficient.
These installations require batteries to store the energy generated and use it when needed, for example, at night or on cloudy days. - Hybrid installation: Combines characteristics of grid-connected and off-grid installations.
In a hybrid installation, the solar panels are connected to the grid, but also have a battery system to store surplus energy.
This allows users to consume their own stored energy when generation is low and also inject the surplus into the grid.
What types of costs are involved in Solar Self-consumption?
If you are considering a solar self-consumption installation, it is important to understand the different types of costs associated with it.
These costs can vary significantly depending on the size of the installation, the type of technology used, and the specific characteristics of the home or business where the installation will take place.
Below are the main types of costs you may face:
- Initial Equipment Costs
These are the costs related to the purchase of the components necessary for the installation of a solar self-consumption system.
They include:
- Solar Panels: They represent one of the main costs, and their price depends on the power, efficiency and technology of the panel (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin film).
- Solar Inverter: It converts the direct current generated by the solar panels into alternating current, which is used by household appliances and equipment in the home or business.
There are different types of inverters, such as string inverters, microinverters, or hybrid inverters (which allow the connection of batteries). - Mounting Structures: These are necessary to install the solar panels on the roof or on the ground, and their cost depends on the type of roof (flat, sloped) and the material they are made of.
- Batteries (optional): For isolated or hybrid self-consumption systems, it is necessary to have batteries to store the energy generated.
Batteries can be lead-acid or lithium batteries, the latter being more expensive but with longer life and higher efficiency. - Additional Equipment: Include cables, electrical protections, monitoring devices, and anti-spill systems (in case of self-consumption without surplus).
- Installation Costs
These are the costs associated with the labor and technical services required to perform the installation.
They include:
- Installer Labor: The cost of hiring certified technicians to install the PV system.
This cost may vary depending on the complexity of the installation and geographic location. - Permits and Licenses: Depending on local regulations, you may need municipal permits for the installation of solar panels, which entails an additional cost.
- Engineering and Technical Project Costs: In some cases, it is necessary to carry out a prior technical study, especially in larger installations or in buildings with particular characteristics.
- Network Connection Costs
For grid-connected self-consumption installations, there may be costs related to:
- Grid Connection Procedures: If you wish to inject surplus energy into the grid, you may need to complete administrative procedures with the distribution company.
This may include contracting an electric bulletin and other necessary documents. - Adaptations to the electrical panel: It may be necessary to make modifications or adaptations to the building’s electrical panel to ensure that the self-consumption system integrates correctly with the existing grid.
- Maintenance Costs
Throughout the life of the system, there are certain costs that you must consider:
- Solar Panel Maintenance: Although solar panels require little maintenance, it is advisable to clean them regularly to ensure that they operate at maximum efficiency.
This cost may include hiring a professional cleaning service. - Inverter and Other Component Overhaul: The solar inverter has a shorter lifetime than solar panels (about 10 to 15 years) and may need to be replaced during the lifetime of the system.
It is also advisable to periodically check other components, such as cables and electrical protections.
- Financial Costs
If you decide to finance the installation, you may face additional costs:
- Financing Interest: If you opt for a loan or financing to cover the initial cost, you must consider the associated interest.
- Insurance: Some owners choose to take out specific insurance to cover possible damages to the solar installation, which represents an additional annual cost.
- Expansion or Modification Costs
If in the future you decide to expand or modify your installation (e.g., add more panels or batteries), you will also need to consider the costs associated with new equipment, labor and possible modifications to the existing system.
Energía Solar Aplicada is prepared to accompany companies at every stage of their solar energy projects, ensuring a smooth and effective transition to energy independence. Therefore, if you are interested we will be happy to explain our services through our website www.esasl.com or call 96 352 38 20.