Renewable Energy Community: how it works and why it is worthwhile.
A REC transforms renewable production into a shared model: members remain connected to the existing grid while taking part in a configuration that values energy produced and consumed virtually within the same perimeter.
Operational definition
A Renewable Energy Community is an association of parties that produce, consume, or both produce and consume energy from renewable sources. The goal is not only economic: it also creates environmental and social benefits.
Key concept
Shared energy is renewable energy produced by community plants and virtually consumed by members in the same time interval. Consumption, schedules, plants and the primary substation area are therefore important.
Incentives and contributions
RECs may access an incentive tariff on shared energy and an ARERA valorization contribution. Where requirements are met, capital grants may also be available for eligible plants.
Documents useful to start
- POD / bill
- Municipality / Province
- Annual consumption
- Plant power
- Why join
Consumer, Producer, Prosumer.
Solaria distinguishes three membership profiles to provide a clear route for those who consume, produce or do both.
| Profile | Who | What they seek | How Solaria helps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer | The Consumer is the member who consumes energy and participates in the REC sharing model without necessarily installing a renewable plant. | Why join | Preliminary check |
| Producer | The Producer owns or builds a renewable plant and can share surplus energy within the community, enhancing the value generated by the plant. | Maximize the value of non-self-consumed energy. | Solaria offers a business path for companies, public bodies and plant owners: energy profile analysis, requirements check, membership and valorization of shared energy. |
| Prosumer | The Prosumer is both producer and consumer: self-consumes part of the energy and shares the surplus when production and members’ consumption coincide. | Direct self-consumption + Surplus shared in REC | Solaria guides each member through data collection, requirements verification, membership and management of community benefits. |
A Renewable Energy Community is an association of parties that produce, consume, or both produce and consume energy from renewable sources. The goal is not only economic: it also creates environmental and social benefits.
The Consumer is the member who consumes energy and participates in the REC sharing model without necessarily installing a renewable plant.