Nowadays it is possible to create the energy you need for your home through self-consumption, a key concept for energy and environmental sustainability.
Everyone has an idea of what self-consumption is: we could define it as the ability to produce your own energy to fully or partially cover the needs of your home in that area.
In other words, you are able to supply electricity to your home through your own installation without having to connect to the general electricity grid. This is what is considered to be self-sufficient or independent in energy terms.
Self-consumption modalities
Self-consumption is regulated by law and more specifically by RD 15/2018 and RD 244/2019 , which establish how self-consumption can be carried out (from a technical, administrative and economic point of view).
This regulation contemplates the following types or modalities of self-consumption, whose energy is normally photovoltaic, that is, it comes from the sun and is obtained through solar panels, although there are also other options such as mini-wind self-consumption.
Self-consumption without surplus
In this mode, unconsumed energy is not dumped into the distribution network. It works with an anti-dumping system and usually includes some additional storage system with batteries.
Self-consumption with surpluses
Unlike the previous case, these systems inject surplus energy into the transmission and distribution network so that other consumers can use it. This energy is called surplus.
This “surplus” energy can be sold, in which case we would be talking about surplus self-consumption subject to compensation. To do so, the installation must meet a series of requirements.
When this energy is not sold, we would have to talk about surplus self-consumption not eligible for compensation.
In addition to these two basic types of self-consumption, a distinction can also be made between installations connected to and isolated from the electrical grid and individual or electrical self-consumption.
Advantages and disadvantages of self-consumption
Self-consumption has its own pros and cons as an energy system for the home, although we can already tell you that there are many more advantages than disadvantages.
Advantages of self-consumption of energy
- It means savings on your electricity bill, as you consume less energy. According to Endesa's calculations, you can save more than 50% on your electricity bill with photovoltaic self-consumption panels.
- You turn your home into an energy- efficient house .
- You contribute to sustainability and the energy transition through the use of renewable energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
- The initial investment pays off quickly, as in addition to saving on your energy bill, you can even earn money. The average payback period is less than 10 years, although with current aid and deductions it can be less than 5 years.
Disadvantages of self-consumption
- Initial investment. This is the main disadvantage of installing a self-consumption system; it requires a high initial investment.
- Batteries must be added. For everything to work properly and to have power when there is no sun, for example, it will be necessary to install batteries.
Necessary investment and aid for self-consumption
How much does it cost to install a home to generate energy? The exact figure will depend on the home and the type of system installed. The most common option is photovoltaic self-consumption using solar panels, but there are other alternatives such as wind power self-consumption.
Fortunately, there are various types of aid and subsidies available to help you meet this expense.
- Firstly, there are the European subsidies for the installation of solar panels and other self-consumption systems through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan and the Next Generation Funds of the European Union .
- Secondly, there are deductions on income tax for energy-efficient home improvements, which can amount to 40% of the investment on a maximum of 7,500 euros. In addition to these, there is a bonus on the Property Tax and a reduction in the Tax on Construction, Installations and Works.
- Finally, there are also regional aids and subsidies that depend on each region.
In addition to the subsidies, there are green mortgages that offer better conditions for building or buying homes with a good energy rating.
In the end, the important thing is that you can fulfill your dream of buying a house and make it energy sustainable through self-consumption.
