ENERGY COMMUNITY FOR CONDOMINIUM MEMBERS: WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO CREATE ONE
The energy community for condominium members, legally referred to as "collective self-consumption," arises when residents of the same building join forces to produce and share renewable energy. This model fits within the broader concept of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) (What are RECs?), promoting collaboration among condominium residents to foster sustainability, energy savings, and access to dedicated economic incentives.
What is an energy community for condominium members?
An energy community for condominium members is a model where residents of a building collaborate to produce, share, and consume renewable energy, typically through photovoltaic systems, promoting self-consumption and cooperation.
Energy production, consumption, and sharing are possible not only for households but also for offices, as long as they are within the same building.
Installed systems enable the use of locally produced energy, reducing dependence on traditional sources and improving energy efficiency. Additionally, this system maximizes resource use and promotes sustainable energy management.
Benefits of an energy community for condominium members
Although the main advantage is reducing energy costs, an energy community for condominium members is also a powerful tool for social cohesion. Sharing energy production allows residents to reduce expenses by utilizing locally generated energy while making a tangible contribution to combating climate change.
In addition to greater autonomy from traditional energy suppliers, participants in energy communities for condominium members can benefit from incentives for up to 20 years, helping to lower both the initial investment cost for installing the system and ongoing energy expenses, making the initiative even more attractive.
Moreover, buildings equipped with renewable energy systems can increase their market value, attracting new investors.
How to create an energy community for condominium members
To establish an energy community for condominium members, at least two residents of the same building, living in separate units, must formally agree to share the locally produced energy via the existing electrical grid. The formal agreement should define the rights and responsibilities of each participant and establish the methods for managing the produced energy to avoid conflicts and ensure the harmonious operation of the community.
Once an agreement is reached among the initial participants, others in the building can join the already established energy community.
The next step involves analyzing the technical and economic feasibility of the photovoltaic system. This phase assesses the available space for installing renewable energy production systems (e.g., solar panels) and estimates the initial costs required to launch the project. A thorough analysis will determine whether the initiative is sustainable for all participants.
Subsequently, the system is designed based on the specific needs of the condominium, such as the number of housing units and overall energy consumption. A well-structured project ensures the system meets the community's requirements.
Finally, once all necessary permits are obtained, the system is installed.
It is equally important to establish a shared management system to monitor energy production and consumption transparently, optimizing the use of produced energy and encouraging accountability among all members of the energy community for condominium members.
Unlock the Potential of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs)
Energy communities for condominium members exemplify how collaboration can lead to a more sustainable future. These collective self-consumption models can evolve into Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), involving not only condominium residents but also SMEs, public entities, and other participants, thereby expanding the scope and benefits of renewable energy sharing.
Want to maximize the benefits of your energy community for condominium members with RECs?
Contact us for free: HexErgy is here to help you make the most of your building’s green energy potential through renewable energy communities (RECs).
