What is self-consumption?

Self-consumption means consuming

green energy

Primary energy is described as "green" or "clean" when only small amounts of pollutants are g...

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that you produce yourself. 

Heat

In the field of statistical thermodynamics today, heat refers to the transfer of the thermal ...

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from geothermics.

Electricity

Form of energy resulting from the movement of charged particles (electrons) through a conduct...

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from wind turbines or solar panels. 

It can be individually produced or collective, with several households generating and consuming energy together. 

This is known as virtual self-consumption, because each household is connected through a single legal entity. 

Three scenarios for solar energy: 

1. The household generates more electricity than it consumes = the electricity is injected back into the public grid and resold. 
2. The household generates less electricity than it consumes = the public grid takes over. 
3. The household stores the electricity it generates in a battery. 

Self-consumption is not just for households. Example: Town halls, supermarkets and businesses can also use it. 

It’s a fast-growing market, especially in solar

power

In physics, power is the amount of energy supplied by a system per unit time. In simpler term...

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, because it can help bring electricity bills down. 

Some countries offer incentive schemes. The equipment is less and less expensive. New installations are more and more efficient. 

Self-consumption can cover an estimated 20% to 70% of a household’s energy needs. Nearly 30,000 households in France are already using this system.
 

Summary: 

• Self-consumption = you use green energy that you produce, through geothermics, wind turbines or solar panels.
• Two types: individual and collective.
• Can cover 20% to 70% of energy needs.
• Government incentives possible.
• Decreasing installation costs.
• Increasing efficiency.