Collective self-consumption represents an advanced mode for distributed energy management, of growing importance in the industrial, commercial and residential sectors. In Italy, this model is supported by an evolving regulatory framework and incentive mechanisms defined mainly by the Decree Dec. 7, 2023, no. 414 (so-called CACER Decree) and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRP). These tools aim to make collective self-consumption a cost-effective option for reducing energy costs while promoting environmental sustainability. But what precisely is meant by collective self-consumption and why is it an ideal solution for industrial, commercial and condominium applications?
What is Collective Self-Consumption?
Collective self-consumption allows groups of renewable energy consumers, located in the same building or apartment building, to share the energy generated by photovoltaic (or renewable energy) systems without their PODs (energy withdrawal points) or systems being physically connected. In practice, energy is virtually shared, with each participant benefiting from his or her share of generated energy based on consumption. Collective self-consumption is regulated by the GSE (Gestore dei Servizi Energetici), which is responsible for energy metering.
In addition, it is important to clarify that collective self-consumption is specifically provided and regulated for groups of self-consumers acting collectively within the same building or condominium. Although not explicitly mentioned in the regulatory framework, collective self-consumption is not excluded for industrial and commercial settings. In these cases, solutions can be adopted to achieve economic benefits, provided the regulatory conditions are met.
Another possibility, while not strictly “collective,” isindividual remote self-consumption, where an individual end-customer consumes energy produced by plants located at other sites, using the distribution network. However, a necessary condition is that all participants are under the same primary cabin.
Why Choose Collective Self-Consumption?
Collective self-consumption offers numerous economic and operational advantages, including:
- Sale of energy: PV systems participating in collective self-consumption configurations can sell excess energy, generating an economic gain. This opportunity maximizes the return on investment.
- Incentive on self-consumed energy: The CACER Decree (DM 414/2023) establishes an incentive tariff for energy produced by renewable energy plants in collective self-consumption configurations. This tariff is recognized by the GSE in relation to the amount of self-consumed energy and helps reduce energy costs for participants.
- Reduction in system charges for self-consumed energy: For self-consumed energy, some system charges are deducted, further reducing the overall costs for system participants. This incentive cuts down the expenses associated with using the power grid for energy that is actually consumed within the collective self-consumption group.
- Capital grant for municipalities with a population of less than 5,000: Under the NRP, municipalities with a population of less than 5,000 are eligible for capital grants of up to 40 percent for the development of collective self-consumption configurations. This incentive represents a significant resource to make the model even more beneficial for small communities.
- Greater economic benefit with electrification of consumption: As electrification of consumption increases (e.g., electric mobility, heat pump heating, etc.), collective self-consumption becomes even more beneficial. The greater the participants’ demand for electricity, the greater the economic efficiency from directly using the energy produced, reducing dependence on the power grid.
- Greater flexibility than Energy Communities: Collective self-consumption offers greater flexibility than Energy Communities, as it allows for modulation of incentive sharing among participants. This aspect allows for customization of economic management, adaptable to the specific needs of the members involved.
Advantages for Industrial, Commercial and Condominium Applications
Collective self-consumption is also an advantageous solution for industrial, commercial and condominium settings:
- Industrial and Commercial: Businesses and traders can significantly cut energy costs, reducing dependence on the power grid and contributing to the energy transition.
- Condominiums: The ability to share solar energy among multiple condominiums provides savings for the entire condominium, making collective self-consumption an ideal choice for residential communities.
Why Choose Collective Self-Consumption?
The main advantage of collective self-consumption is its ability to optimize the use of the energy produced, avoiding losses and increasing the overall efficiency of the local grid. In addition, the incentives provided by Italian regulations make collective self-consumption a cost-effective choice for anyone who decides to take this path.
Example of Calculating the Economic Benefits of Collective Self-Consumption
Consider a 50 kW photovoltaic system with an annual production of about 55,000 kWh and 21 KWh storage, on an apartment building or industrial complex in the Turin area. Assume that the total annual self-consumption is about 44,000 kWh, divided between physical self-consumption on the POD (4,000 kWh) and shared virtual self-consumption (40,000 kWh). The energy fed into the grid is then 11,000 kWh.
We use for the simulation an average zonal price in Turin of 0.143 €/kWh (average value North Zonal Price between January 1, 2025 and March 9, 2025, the date of the article), while the average price paid by the condominium for energy is 0.35 €/kWh (including taxes and charges).
- Economic savings from physical self-consumption: Physically self-consumed energy directly reduces the amount of energy that the condominium must purchase from the grid. The estimated savings from physical self-consumption of 4,000 kWh is €1,400.
- Revenues from Dedicated Withdrawal (RID): Average Zonal Price (Pz) for the period 01/01/2025 – 09/03/2025: 143 €/MWh (0.143 €/kWh). The estimated revenue for energy fed into the grid (11,000 kWh) is approximately €1,573.
- Incentive on shared energy (Premium Tariff): The incentive is applied on self-consumed energy virtually (40,000 kWh). Average Zonal Price (Pz) for the period 01/01/2025 – 09/03/2025: 143 €/MWh (0.143 €/kWh). Considering the correction factor for the irradiation zone provided in the standard, the adjusted premium tariff is 127 €/MWh. Maximum Premium Tariff for plants of power ≤ 200 kW: 120 €/MWh. The estimated annual incentive is about €4,800.
- Estimated total annual benefits: Adding up the savings from physical self-consumption, revenues from Dedicated Withdrawal, and the shared energy incentive, the estimated total annual benefits for the condominium are about €7,773.
To recap:
- The savings for physical self-consumption of 4,000 kWh is €1,400.
- Revenue from Dedicated Withdrawal for energy fed into the grid (11,000 kWh) is about €1,573.
- The incentive on self-consumed energy virtually (40,000 kWh) is about €4,800.
- The total estimated annual benefits for the condominium are about €7,773.
This calculation is based on an estimate using the average annual zonal price and the average energy price paid by the condominium. Fluctuations in actual hourly prices and specific contract conditions could generate different results. Access to the shared energy incentive requires the establishment of a collective self-consumption configuration according to current regulations. The parameters for 2025 could differ from those for 2023.
The Role of Electric Mobility in Collective Self-Consumption.
Integrating electric mobility into a collective self-consumption system can significantly amplify economic benefits and improve return on investment. The installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in industrial, commercial and condominium settings not only enables the adoption of environmentally friendly vehicles, but also optimizes the use of energy produced by photovoltaic systems.
Charging stations can become a focal point in a collective self-consumption system because:
- Increased self-consumption: Electric cars represent a form of virtual energy storage. During the day, when the PV system produces excess energy, electric vehicles can be recharged directly with self-generated energy. In this way, energy that would otherwise be fed into the grid is instead used internally, increasing the level of self-consumption and further reducing dependence on the power grid.
- Additional economic benefits: The use of charging stations not only reduces electricity costs, but also offers the opportunity to generate new revenue streams. In fact, electric vehicle owners who use the energy produced by the PV system for charging help to economically support the entire collective self-consumption system, improving the economic sustainability of the project.
- Optimizing return on investment: The integration of electric mobility, due to the higher demand for energy generated by the PV system, helps to improve the return on investment of the system itself. The higher the demand for energy (e.g., from charging electric vehicles), the greater the share of locally generated energy that can be used, reducing the costs associated with purchasing power from the grid and increasing the overall benefits of the system.
In summary, the integration of electric mobility with collective self-consumption solutions not only contributes to environmental sustainability, but also becomes a driver of economic efficiency, improving return on investment and optimizing the use of renewable energy. The inclusion of charging stations in these configurations represents a synergy between renewable energies and the growing spread of electric mobility, making the whole system even more beneficial and sustainable.
Clevenergy’s Support and Wisehub’s Enersync Platform.
Clevenergy is the ideal partner to implement collective self-consumption solutions tailored to each context, whether residential, commercial or industrial. With an in-depth analysis of the specific needs of condominiums, buildings or commercial and industrial plexuses, we design installations and energy configurations perfectly suited to optimize consumption, drastically reducing energy expenses. Thanks to our experience, we offer turnkey solutions that guarantee an outstanding return on investment.
Through the use of Wisehub‘s Enersync platform, we monitor consumption in real time, enabling our customers to make informed decisions to maximize self-consumption and achieve maximum economic and environmental benefits. We can offer high-performance photovoltaic systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and integrated consumption management, always aiming for energy efficiency and sustainability.
Conclusions:
Collective self-consumption is a smart solution to reduce energy costs and promote a sustainable future. Clevenergy, with its proven experience and the support of the Enersync platform, is ready to accompany businesses, apartment buildings and industrial realities in the transition to greener, cheaper and more efficient energy. We are ready to design the energy future of your building or facility together with you, ensuring maximum return on investment and a positive impact on the environment.
