Net billing and the advantages of energy storage
Energy storage is an important step towards energy autonomy and improving efficiency, especially when combined with modern self-consumption systems such as Net Billing and Virtual Net Billing. The recent legislative changes in Greece (Law 5106/2024) make these tools essential for the utilization of renewable energy sources, with significant environmental and economic benefits.
What is Net Billing and Virtual Net Billing?
- Net Billing: Focuses on the simultaneous netting of energy, where the energy produced is used directly or sold to the grid at wholesale market prices. What we need to know about it:
- It applies to all categories of consumers (households, professionals, OTAs, Energy Communities).
- Netting is done in real time, while excess energy is compensated based on the wholesale price.
- A compensation period of 20 years is foreseen.
- Virtual Net Billing: Enables different consumer units (e.g., in apartment buildings or energy communities) to share the energy produced without a physical connection, enabling collective self-consumption.
- Special Arrangements
- Household Photovoltaics: Program for households up to 10.8 kWp with reductions in tax obligations.
- Non-Interconnected Islands (NID): Excess energy is compensated with a special price (ETA).
- Collective Self-Consumption: It is possible for shared consumptions to join virtual net-billing.
- Zero Feed-in: Self-consumption is allowed without injecting energy into the grid.
Power Limits and Facilities
- Power up to 100% of agreed consumption.
- Possibility of installation on buildings, facades, or on the ground.
- In the Non-Interconnected Islands (NIIs), stricter limits apply per island system.
The role of batteries in energy storage. Batteries play a key role in maximizing the efficiency of PV systems, especially in conjunction with Net Billing. Systems such as those from RCT Power and CATL offer leading storage solutions, providing:
- Energy autonomy: Stored energy can be used during evening hours or when demand is high.
- Cost reduction: The user consumes less energy from the grid, reducing electricity bills.
- Subsidiarity: In the event of power outages, the batteries ensure an uninterrupted power supply.
RCT Power’s storage systems, for example, are known for their high efficiency and ability to intelligently manage energy, while CATL’s batteries are distinguished for their long life and stable performance.
What are the main benefits of Net Billing?
- Energy independence: By using storage, consumers can reduce their dependence on the grid.
- Financial benefit: Real-time netting with wholesale market prices and sale of excess energy ensure additional income.
- Environmental protection: Using stored renewable energy sources reduces CO2 emissions.
- Contributing to a sustainable future: Collective self-consumption technologies such as Virtual Net Billing promote collaboration and green development.
The integration of energy storage systems in photovoltaic panels with Net Billing and Virtual Net Billing is a revolution in the field of clean energy. Recent legislative changes prioritize these tools, offering consumers, whether individuals or businesses, opportunities for energy and financial self-sufficiency. Modern storage solutions from companies such as RCT and CATL further enhance this perspective, supporting the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
