Self-consumption – why companies invest in solar energy
From the ethical and financial point of view, installing solar energy for self-consumption is an investment that is really worthwhile. Companies that invest in renewable energies are perceived as sustainable and innovative. Several international studies show that companies with a sustainable orientation are favoured in many areas, namely in the relationship with their stakeholders. A business management based on sustainability translates into greater competitiveness, resilience and, consequently, economic compensation.
Besides using renewable energy and being safe, photovoltaic self-consumption allows companies a substantial saving on their energy bill. This is due to the fact that locally produced energy is consumed, reducing the need to purchase it from the distribution network and all waste caused by its transportation from the centralised production plant. It is estimated that energy consumption represents between 15 and 40% of the fixed costs of a Portuguese company.
And who is the businessperson who does not want to reduce costs by 25% or more?
Main advantages of self-consumption for Portugues companies:
- Production of 100% clean energy;
- Commitment to sustainability;
- Improving your image with your stakeholders;
- Reduction of fixed costs;
- Reduced exposure to future fluctuations in electricity prices;
- Energy independence;
- Profitability of unused assets (roofs, facades, land);
- Implementation of energy efficiency measures, namely those required by the legislation in force (SGCIE).
Which Portuguese companies are most interested in self-consumption?
Any company can produce solar energy, as long as it has an installation for the use of electricity connected to the public grid (RESP) and holds an energy supply contract. There is a great potential for industries or farms with large coverage areas, or land, and high energy consumption.
The production of solar energy occurs during the hours of sunshine. Thus, solar self-consumption responds particularly to the needs of those who have significant energy consumption during the day. Companies can produce and use their own energy during working hours, which has a greater impact on reducing their electricity bill.
What is the financial return on self-consumption?
The gain is in the dimensioning
Each company has a specific consumption profile, which must be evaluated to adequately calculate the power to be installed. The technical dimensioning of the system is an important process that directly influences the profitability of the installation.
SOLVasto designs and plans the photovoltaic systems, adapted to the individual needs of each project. Our experts calculate the efficiency and profitability of each installation. This video shows how, through the use of professional software, the design and installation of a photovoltaic system can be realised:
Installing self-consumption without costs
Portuguese companies do not necessarily have to bear the investment costs of a self-consumption installation. In Portugal, there is a growing interest of investors in renewable energy projects. In this case, the investor replaces the company and bears the costs of the photovoltaic self-consumption installation, as well as its operation and maintenance, and shares the benefits of the savings with the company. This is a win-win situation for both entities, as the investor enters into a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) contract with the company, which then purchases the energy produced by the solar system at a discount of up to 50%.
SOLVasto offers individual investment solutions tailored to the client’s needs, which can be financed by investing partners, allowing them to invest in green energy without any investment or risk (technological or financial). Please contact us.
