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| Self consumption of solar energy helps industry  REC, a global provider of solar energy solutions, has highlighted how self consumption of solar energy can help industry to make significant savings on electricity bills, while at the same time reducing CO2 emissions and contributing to the renewable energy targets. Self consumption is defined as electricity that is generated and consumed at the very same location. In a recent study, REC has analysed the profitability of commercial and industrial solar installations based on self consumption in the markets Germany, Italy and Turkey. Central aspects of the study have been the regulatory and political consequences on the profitability.The study concludes that self consumption is most profitable for the segments trade (e.g. supermarkets) and manufacturing industry (e.g. food industry) in Germany. The results of the analysis show that the profitability of self-consumption installations depends more on the regulatory frameworks and less on the development of the electricity prices of the next 10 to 15 years. According to Luc Graré, Senior Vice President Solar Sales & Marketing at REC, self consumption has a number of direct benefits. "The first of these is financial. Because solar-generated electricity is cheaper than electricity purchased from utilities, there is an immediate gain – which will increase if energy prices rise, as they are expected to do, especially from 2017 and beyond. Solar-generated electricity guards businesses against increasing electricity prices – thus providing greater reliability and stability." Mr. Graré adds: "Another benefit is the contribution to the renewable energy targets without the need of any feed-in-tariffs. Beside this, self-consumption installations conduce significant reduction in emissions. Each year, 254,000 kWh of solar-generated electricity - the electricity demand of a supermarket - saves 190,503 tons of CO2 emissions, directly benefiting the facility's overall carbon footprint. And, last but not least, there is less 'red tape' for maximum flexibility and predictability on electricity costs. These benefits also apply in the Benelux, where self consumption can bring similar benefits." The study was conducted by REC in order to provide information and support to customers, helping them to better understand the market and the potential benefits of self consumption. REC has a long track record in supporting industry. In addition to being able to supply world class solar panels, the company has the experience and expertise to support its customers with planning, installation and operation. Successful commercial rooftop applications include installations for global industry leaders such as Audi and Heineken. Audi's production plant in Brussels, Belgium uses almost 10,000 REC Peak Energy Series solar panels for a rooftop installation, and REC solar panels power the production of Heineken's Wieckse beer brewery, making the installation the largest commercial installation in the Netherlands - and the largest without feed-in tariffs or subsidies. Guido Breens, Business Development Manager Benelux & UK, REC says: "We want to supply our partners too with the best possible service. To do this, we designed the REC Global Partner Program as a support platform, helping partner companies to market and sell REC products effectively as well as raise their own visibility through the distribution landscape. As self consumption is on the rise in many European countries, the study will help potential users in the Benelux to understand this trend topic more in-depth." write your comments about the article :: © 2014 Construction News :: home page |