The MME consultation that deserves the attention of the solar sector.

Those who install solar systems know the difference between producing energy during the day and meeting consumption at night. They also know that location, grid capacity, and customer profile influence the outcome of a project. These conditions need to be considered in the tools that guide decisions in the electricity sector.

This is why Public Consultation No. 236/2026, from the MME (Ministry of Mines and Energy), deserves the attention of integrators, manufacturers, and consumers. The initiative discusses rules for improving the computational models used in planning and the governance of this process.

Although it may seem like a topic far removed from rooftop installation, its consequences can extend to investments and electricity bills. These models are programs that simulate the operation of the electrical system. Based on data about consumption, generation, reservoirs, and the grid, they help assess needs and compare solutions. When they fail to adequately represent a technology, its contribution may be underestimated.

Batteries are one example. Storing solar energy for later use can help meet periods of higher demand and make better use of available generation. However, this contribution depends on power output, duration, losses, and recharging conditions. Planning needs to consider these characteristics to identify where storage makes sense and how much the service costs.

The same applies to micro and mini-distributed generation. Rooftop generation varies according to time of day and location. Its relationship with consumption and the grid needs to be evaluated with verifiable data, including the possibilities of integration with batteries and demand management.

This care is also important when dealing with generation cuts. The causes may involve oversupply at certain times, transmission limitations, or safety requirements. Each situation demands a response. Well-structured studies help compare storage capacity, network expansion, and consumption shifts, avoiding decisions based on incomplete diagnoses.

The consultation itself does not create a price increase for batteries nor does it immediately change the consumer's bill. Its importance lies in improving the process that guides future choices. To achieve this, clear criteria are needed to propose changes, test results, and incorporate improvements.

Transparency is part of this path. Data, assumptions, and justifications need to be available, along with timelines and assessments of the effects of the changes. The solar sector can contribute with the experience of those who design, install, and operate systems under different consumption and connectivity conditions.

For INEL (National Institute of Clean Energy), the priority is to ensure technological neutrality and evidence-based decisions. Distributed generation, batteries, and demand management should be evaluated based on the services they actually provide, considering their costs, benefits, and limitations. The goal is to make better use of available energy and ensure security at the lowest cost for the consumer.

The opinions and information expressed are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the author. Canal Solar.