Recently, this question came up in one of the classes of the course “Regulation, Market and Business Models in Solar Energy – ACR and ACL” which minister in Canal Solar. The answer is yes!
But I believe it is important to explore this issue a little better, given that there is a big difference between DG (Distributed Generation) and the Free Market.
The electricity sector is divided into two environments: the ACR (Regulated Contracting Environment), where distributed generation develops, and the ACL (Free Contracting Environment), where the purchase and sale of energy are permitted. The way energy is handled in these markets is quite different. Therefore, I will draw a parallel between the two markets below.
Considering the consumer's perspective, we can say that at DG they can consume solar energy in two ways, purchasing a project or leasing a solar park.
The consumption of energy generated by the park occurs through the credit compensation model created by Resolution 482 (Normative Resolution ANEEL No. 482/2012) of ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency), in which there is an exchange of credits between the consumer and the energy distributor.
In the free market, the consumer can also purchase a project. However, unlike DG, you can purchase energy from a solar generator without the need for a rental contract.
It's important to highlight that purchasing energy on the free market follows a much simpler contractual structure than equipment rental in distributed generation (DG). Let's delve a little deeper into how energy is traded in each environment.
In DG, the energy injected into the grid generates credit for the consumer, which will be offset on their bill, reducing the energy consumed and consequently the amount to be paid to the energy concessionaire. If there are unpaid credits left, they can be used the next month.
In the case of the free market, it is different: the consumer buys energy directly from the generator or energy trader, having no interaction with the energy distributor, paying it only for the components that are part of the TUSD (tariff for use of the distribution system). ).
Regarding the energy surplus or deficit, there is a monthly check carried out by the CCEE (Electric Energy Trading Chamber), through the energy balance, the consumer who has a surplus can sell it, otherwise they must buy energy on the market, with the objective of always keeping your balance at zero.
In my view, the feasibility of solar projects on the free market depends on scale, in the context of energy sales or self-production. The projects that are being made viable have power above 100 MW.
Regarding smaller projects, they may only be viable when built close to the load and limiting their AC power to the contracted demand of the consumer unit, in which case the investment is made by the consumer themselves. The difference between the ACL and ACR markets is stark.
We can cite regulatory aspects, commercial processes, and energy prices or price equivalents, requiring different business models to adequately exploit each market. Therefore, I strongly recommend that entrepreneurs seek knowledge and advice, so as not to build something that doesn't work in the chosen environment.
Comments (14)
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Good evening, I have a potential client who is in the free energy market with an average consumption of 120Mwh, however he wants to generate and consume from his own plant! Do I have to return the customer to the dealership and leave the free market with them or is there something I can do to approve their project without it leaving the free market? Apart from the fact that the building is centuries old and listed as a heritage site! what do you advise me?
Hello, Rodolfo, how are you? We have a consultancy program carried out by experts. Check out: https://energia.canalsolar.com.br/consultoria.
Good afternoon, my question is the following, customer in A4, already has UFV installed, has contracted demand above 500 KV, (UFV + 500 Kwp), this plant does not meet current consumption,
The question is whether: make a new inversion to UFV (it needs to generate more than 70.000 Kwh/m), or buy it on the open market to meet these consumptions.
Hello, Ignacio, how are you? To stay on top of the subject and specialize, discover our course on Regulation, Market and Business Models in Solar Energy: https://cursos.canalsolar.com.br/curso/regulacao-mercado-e-modelos-de-negocios-em-energia-solar-acr-e-acl-online-e-ao-vivo/
Good night
I have a client who has a free market, can I install solar panels to reset their bill?
Hi Daniel, yes you can. And in many cases it is very attractive.
There is no option for non-approval. Article 164 of Resolution 414 is clear on this.
Does Exata Energia have Instagram?
Question: a supermarket that already buys energy on the free market, regardless of whether it is in the
ACL or ACR, is there a power limit on this purchase?
If so and if this limit does not cover all of your consumption, can you install a micro photovoltaic plant to supplement your total consumption?
I sent it and received a message that said I had already asked this question.
But I'm still waiting for the answer.
Hello Manuel.
“If yes, and if this limit does not cover all of your consumption, can you install a micro photovoltaic plant to complement your total consumption?”
Yes, Manuel.
For more details, you can contact us to meet your needs.
(19) 3884-5414
Question: a supermarket that already buys energy on the free market, regardless of whether it is in the
ACL or ACR, is there a power limit on this purchase?
If so and if this limit does not cover all of your consumption, can you install a micro photovoltaic plant to supplement your total consumption?
Good morning, you can install your micro plant and not approve it at the dealership, using a goodwe inverter and installing a smart meter, it will not inject power into the grid
I am interested in installing photovoltaic energy in low-income homes, as the monthly payments are R$25 per month for the house, and there are still people in arrears, and then I can sell the surplus to use this income to work with them. Is it possible?
Be careful when using GOODWE inverters. I have a plant with 7 60K inverters. Since its installation a year ago, it has only had to operate with 90% of its load and even then they turn off every day when production reaches a certain peak.
We installed another inverter from another brand two months ago, replacing 1 of the inverters and it does not fall.
GOODWE assistance does not provide a solution to the problem.
We are considering taking action against GOODWE so that they can take action.
The timing of
Carlos Alberto Cotta
Volpe Solar Energy