Self-Consumption in Solar Power Plants: What It Is and How Much You Can Save ☀️

If you are considering solar energy as a sustainable and cost-efficient solution for your business, understanding self-consumption is key.

What Is Self-Consumption? 🤔

In simple terms, self-consumption means using the energy you produce for your own needs. In photovoltaic systems, however, things get more nuanced:

• Companies in the regulated market purchase electricity from utilities and may use the Net Metering System (Sistema de Compensação de Energia Elétrica – SCEE).
• Since solar generation is intermittent, it may not meet your full energy demand at all times.
• Excess energy can be injected into the grid and consumed later through the SCEE.

💡 Important distinction: Only the energy directly used on-site before being exported to the grid counts as self-consumption. Energy later drawn from the grid via compensation does not qualify as self-consumed.

Why Direct Self-Consumption Is More Cost-Effective 💸

When energy is injected and later drawn from the grid:

• The distribution infrastructure is used.
• You still pay the TUSD (distribution system usage fee).

By contrast, energy consumed directly on-site:

• Avoids distribution charges
• Is effectively cheaper per kWh

Maximizing self-consumption therefore reduces costs and increases the financial benefits of your solar investment.

Challenges in Maximizing Self-Consumption ⚡

• Intermittent generation: Solar output depends on weather and sunlight, causing fluctuations.
• Unpredictable availability: Real-time energy production can vary, making it hard to calculate exact self-consumption at any given moment.

The Future: Energy Storage and Smart Grids 🌐

Technological advancements are making self-consumption even more viable:

• Energy storage systems: Store surplus energy for later use, increasing self-consumption rates.
• Smart grids integration: Optimize generation and consumption, minimizing energy waste.
• Falling storage costs: Make these solutions accessible and financially attractive.

Maximize Your Savings with Solar Energy

Understanding and optimizing self-consumption can significantly enhance your solar ROI. By using energy directly on-site, businesses reduce costs, minimize dependence on the grid, and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.

👉 Want to learn how much your business can save with self-consumption? Contact our experts at Silicon and discover how solar energy can make your business shine like the sun!