if the annual consumption approximately matches the annual production of solar power and self-consumption is not optimized, a household without an energy storage system can simultaneously consume about 15–30% of its own solar power. Through optimization, it is possible to achieve self-consumption of about 30 to 70%. If electricity is also used for heat production and/or to charge an electric vehicle, the potential to increase self-consumption is greater.
The table shows the annual consumption in relation to the use of the main household appliances found in our homes. A single-family house composed of 4 people was considered. The annual cost was estimated based on the price of 29.24 cts/kWh Since a household does not consume all the solar energy produced, a power storage unit represents the ideal integration for the solar system. The storage unit stores the excess energy produced by the photovoltaic system during the day. Thanks to a battery storage unit, solar energy is also available in the evening, at night, and in the morning. Provides an autonomous energy source Greater independence from rising energy prices Zero-emission energy consumption Possibility to use the solar energy produced 24 hours a day In principle, a solar system generates electricity when the sun shines. Consequently, the photovoltaic system generates most of the electricity in the central hours of the day, that is, exactly when less energy is consumed. Without an energy storage unit, most of the solar energy produced would be fed into the grid at disadvantageous prices. Given the low financial compensation paid for energy fed into the grid, it is advisable to keep self-consumption as high as possible. The more self-produced energy you consume, the more profitable your solar system will be and therefore the lower your energy costs. Let us consider an average consumption of 20 kWh per 100 kilometers for an electric car and 18,000 km per year uses 3,600 kWh 150 m² (e.g. single-family home) and energy requirement equal to 22,000 kWh (= 2,600 l heating oil) 4,000 kWh with heat pump The recommended battery would be 22kWh and 14.6kWp of photovoltaic with 800 kilowatt/hour (kWh) per kWp per year. https://www.franchienergia.ch/it check the financial contributions from your municipality and canton The advantages of an RCPAdvantages of a battery storage unit
10 housing units to form a local energy community. If the CCP/the RCP consumes more than 100,000 kilowatt hours per year, it can purchase the necessary residual electricity on the free market. The grouping for own consumption can thus purchase electricity on favorable terms, with a possible reduction in energy costs per family of up to 30%. RCP shares a connection to the public grid and acts as a single consumer towards the local energy supplier. From the connection, it is possible to feed excess solar power into the grid or, if necessary, purchase additional electricity. For tenants and co-owners of floors, an RCP is often the only option to produce and use their own solar power. Thanks to the RCP, tenants can consume green electricity and at the same time reduce electricity costs. Once established, the RCP receives a single invoice from the supplying company. The operator of the RCP is responsible for the subsequent settlement among the individual participants and for the related measurement infrastructure. Requirements for establishing an RCP Consent and contract signed by tenants The production capacity of the PV system must be at least 10% of the connected load of the RCP The RCP shares a connection to the public distribution grid The public distribution grid must not be used To establish an RCP, a legally valid contract and a document for the supply of electricity are required. Both documents must be signed by all contracting parties. The contract regulates internal management issues such as the allocation of electricity costs, accounting, and the posting of certificates of origin. According to the law, the parties are free to choose the legal form of the grouping for own consumption, so purely contractual RCPs, i.e., without the establishment of a legal entity, are the most common among RCPs. The costs of establishing an RCP are borne by all members of the grouping itself. The amount of the costs depends on the energy supply company and the chosen electricity product. Our partners Climkit and Blockstrom can help you set up your RCP and define the contractual aspects. Tenants/co-owners of floors are free to decide independently whether to join the grouping for own consumption. The more parties join the RCP, the greater the self-consumption. This has a positive effect on the economic efficiency of the solar plant and at the same time all the parti cipants in the RCP bene fit from it. Local electricity communities (CEL) from 2026: CELs allow local marketing (within a neighborhood or even a municipality) through the public grid of self-produced electricity. An extension to several municipalities is not permitted. A CEL can include prosumers, storage plant operators, as well as "normal" producers and final consumers, provided they are connected close to each other, with the same distribution grid operator and on the same grid level. Each participant must be equipped with a smart meter. Electricity supply companies can also introduce production plants or storage systems into a CEL and thus participate in it. The power of the production plants in the CEL must correspond to at least 20 percent of the connected power of all participating final consumers. The electricity traded in a CEL is self-produced and benefits from a reduced tariff for grid usage. The OAEl provides for a 30 percent reduction (15% in case of use of several grid levels) and regulates the relationship of CEL participants among themselves and with the grid operator. A CEL is also open to final consumers with market access: however, if they participate in the CEL, they cannot return to the universal service. Winter storage To prevent a situation of electricity shortage in the winter period, the Federal Council has decided on a series of measures. Energy reserves: Hydroelectric energy reserve Reserve power plants Emergency generators Store electricity wherever you need it DASH Power is a fully integrated hydrogen storage and energy conversion system, designed for immediate deployment. Combining GRZ Technologies' proprietary solid-state hydrogen storage—a Swiss company from Avenches (VD)—automotive-grade fuel cell systems, and auxiliary components, it provides reliable, on-demand power for off-grid locations, emergency backup, and distributed energy applications. Charged with hydrogen from any source, DASH Power offers efficient and scalable electricity storage, enabling cost-effective power generation, improved grid management, and system services. This innovative solution provides the lowest leveled cost of electricity storage for decentralized technologies, unlocking new opportunities in hydrogen-based energy solutions. If done with lithium batteries, it is very expensive and has a major impact both in terms of land occupied and rare materials, whereas if electrolyzers and solid-state hydrogen storage are adopted, already with 21.6MWh plants the hydrogen solution is the best with about 1.15 tons of hydrogen with 69.12MWh used to produce it, summer surplus from 173kWp and 44MWt plants (= 5,200 l heating oil) available for district heating. Establishment of an RCP
How much does it cost to establish an RCP?
Freedom of choice for tenants
