Local Energy Communities: Solar Power, Together!

Local Energy Communities (CEL) and Virtual Collective Self-Consumption (VCSC): Two Complementary Models for a Sustainable Energy Transition.

In light of the need to rethink our energy systems, Local Energy Communities (CEL) and Virtual Collective Self-Consumption groups (RCPv) emerge as two innovative and complementary solutions to maximize the use of renewable energy, particularly solar power.

📌 What is a Virtual Collective Self-Consumption (RCPv) scheme?

"A Virtual Collective Self-Consumption (RCPv) scheme allows multiple consumers to share locally produced solar energy, even if their buildings are not physically connected to the same internal network. Starting January 1, 2025, this solution will make it possible to expand the scope of self-consumption through the use of smart meters and virtual metering points.

Key Features:

• Self-consumption extended beyond a single building, but the plots must be adjacent.
• Use of the public distribution grid to deliver energy between buildings, without requiring specific internal wiring.
• Flexibility to include neighboring buildings supplied by the same grid operator.

The Virtual Collective Self-Consumption scheme is ideal for projects at the scale of a building, a neighborhood, or small clusters of buildings.

📌 What is a Local Energy Community (CEL)?

Local Energy Communities (CEL), applicable from January 2026, go even further than Virtual Collective Self-Consumption schemes. They allow members of the same municipality, served by the same grid operator, to produce, share, and consume renewable electricity, while benefiting from reduced network usage charges.

Key differences with Virtual Collective Self-Consumption schemes:

• Larger scale: Includes citizens, businesses, and local authorities located at greater distances.
• Possibility of direct sales: Producers can sell electricity to other community members.
• Réduction des frais de réseau :
  • 30% si le réseau basse tension (BT) est utilisé sans transformation.
  • 15% si le réseau moyenne tension (MT) est utilisé.

Complementarity between Virtual Collective Self-Consumption schemes and Local Energy Communities.

• Virtual Collective Self-Consumption schemes: An ideal solution for simplified local self-consumption, in the short term, within nearby buildings or the same neighborhood.
• Local Energy Communities (CEL): A more advanced model enabling genuine municipal energy autonomy and broader cooperation, applicable from 2026.

🛠️ Netra Solutions for Virtual Collective Self-Consumption and Local Energy Communities

At Netra, we support these projects with:

1. Feasibility studies to determine the best model (RCPv or CEL).
2. Identification of a Virtual Collective Self-Consumption scheme or Local Energy Community you could join.
3. Turnkey solar and storage installation.
4. Smart management tools for monitoring and sharing energy.
5. Administrative and regulatory support to navigate the new applicable laws.

Together, let's harness the potential of solar energy to build more resilient and sustainable communities. 🌞