Technological evolution and changes in the energy paradigm have driven the diversification of energy sources. Energy from the sun gained its space and, nowadays, solar self-consumption has become widespread and established itself as one of the most used forms of self-consumption.
What is solar self-consumption?
It is an electrical energy production system, in which individuals or companies consume energy produced in their own solar generation facilities. This process is possible thanks to photovoltaic solar modules, which transform energy from the sun into electricity.
A solar installation consists, in addition to solar panels, of cables, connectors and, in some cases, batteries, in order to store the energy that is produced.
What is a UPAC?
UPAC is the abbreviation for Production Unit for Self-Consumption. In other words, it is the installation of electrical energy production, intended for self-consumption, as well as the sale of solar energy, resulting from self-consumption surpluses.
The solar energy self-consumer can produce energy for consumption, for sale or even to store the energy generated. However, in the case of companies, this activity of selling energy generated through self-consumption cannot be the main activity.
The UPAC holder must be the same holder of the self-consumption installation, in order to be able to sell surplus energy.
There are two types of solar self-consumption, if we do not consider installations that are directly connected to the electricity grid, they are: solar self-consumption without surpluses and solar self-consumption with surpluses.
Solar self-consumption with surplus
As the name suggests, solar self-consumption with surplus is one in which the energy produced is greater than the needs, which leads to a surplus of energy. In these cases, producers of their own energy – individuals or companies –, depending on the legislation of the country in which they are present, can sell the energy or use the so-called net metering or net balance. In other words, compensate in subsequent invoices for the energy that was directly injected into the grid.
Solar self-consumption without surpluses
Solar self-consumption without surpluses occurs when the installation has an anti-discharge system that prevents excess energy from going into the electricity grid. This type of installation could be advantageous if the user has a battery, which allows them to store the energy that will be used, for example, in periods when the sun is not so intense.
