Photovoltaics
Photovoltaics
Today, photovoltaic systems offer an attractive solution for an ever-increasing number of applications demanding a low cost and reliable energy source, even under extremely difficult environmental conditions. Using this technology, we can produce electric power without consuming conventional fuel, taking advantage of the solar energy which is in abundance and free.
The main advantages of PV systems are the autonomous operation, the lack of need for fuel, their high durability and reliability. Their capability of operating for a long time with no maintenance makes them a cost-effective solution for every type of application, even for installations that are not connected to the power grid.
Autonomous System:
An autonomous PV system makes use of solar energy, offering energy autonomy to installations that are not connected to the power grid. There are many different categories of isolated systems. Some of them are:
- Houses located far away from the network at such a distance that the cost
of interconnection is prohibitively high - Houses that cannot be powered for various other reasons
- Livestock or Agricultural units far away from the grid
- Telecommunications facilities
- Pumping water supply systems
- Mobile facilities (campervans, boats etc.)
- Facilities that require high availability (defense applications, space applications etc.)
Net Metering:
Net Metering is the offsetting of produced and consumed energy.
Net Metering allows the consumer to cover a significant part of the energy they consume while at the same time enabling them to use the network for indirect storage of the green energy produced by their photovoltaic system.
The term “net” arises from the difference between the consumed and the produced energy over a period of time. This period is usually each cycle at the end of which the energy consumed is counted and priced.
If a consumer’s PV system produces more energy than they consume , this amount of energy is not lost. It remains for a certain period of time until the final settlement is made. According to the latest ministerial decision, this period is set at 12 months.
The advantages of this solution are:
- Electricity expenses are not affected by future rises in energy costs. In fact, the potential increase in the price of electricity results in even greater benefits and savings.
- Photovoltaic systems can be installed at the building that we net meter, whether it is privately owned or rented. Or even in a neighboring building.
- Licensing procedures are simple and fast.
- The photovoltaic system can be installed on any legal construction (eg warehouse, garage, roof, shelter) or on the ground.
- The PV can be combined with an electric heat pump for the building’s heating, in which case the benefit is even bigger.
- The payback period ranges from 5 to 7 years, while the offset contract is 25 years. So the payback is completed at 20-30% of the contract’s duration, after which the energy produced by the photovoltaic does not cost us anything at all.
- For companies, the cost of the photovoltaic system counts as an expense so the tax is reduced and the VAT is deduced.
- The consumer does not receive money, so there is no risk of delays, contract breach or price reductions.
Energy Communities
Energy communities are local urban cooperatives for the exclusive purpose of allowing citizens (either as individuals or as legal entities) to operate in the energy sector utilizing clean energy sources. The new institutional framework ensures favorable conditions for the establishment and operation of energy communities. The objective is to add to the income of individuals and families , to encourage local entrepreneurship, solidarity economy and to promote energy democracy, i.e. the active participation of citizens, local government and small and medium-sized enterprises in energy production; a sector which is hitherto limited to only a few large 'players'. Whether for environmental protection reasons and climate change, or because RES are more economically viable, the energy transition to an economy without fossil fuels has already begun and this trend is irreversible.
The Energy Communities address:
- Professionals, Small and Medium Businesses
- Individuals
- Municipalities – Regions
- Local Partnerships
