PROINSO has launched and installed the first self-consumption solutions for total or partial power selfconsumption. These integrated installations include the technical solution (modules, inverters, structures, batteries, chargers), installation and maintenance services (with the support of the International Network of Qualified Installers, comprised of 241 installers in Spain and 2,117 around the world) and project funding, in conjunction with banks.

The solution from PROINSO meets annual production needs with a model of distributed power generation. It is targeted at homes, businesses or small industries, in accordance with Royal Decree 1699/2011 for small power facilities. The three installations comply with the aforementioned Royal Decree, which approves the connection to the grid of small installations that supply the power consumed in homes with utilities Endesa, Iberdrola and Union Fenosa.

The PROINSO integrated solution features: 240Wp modules, SMA inverters (SB 1200 + RS485 + WebBox) or ENECSYS micro inverters and MECASOLAR structures. Low power kits have micro inverters manufactured by ENECSYS. The first three solutions were delivered and installed by three members of PROINSO's Network of Qualified Installers: Salix Energias Renovables, Prinen and Fossic.

The three companies have ten-year experience in the PV industry and are experts in the installation of these products. The facilities are in the headquarters of two companies based in Fustinana (Navarra) and Guadalix (Madrid), and a retirement home in Badajoz.

At PROINSO they explain that domestic power prices have been rising dramatically in Spain and are expected to keep soaring, 'especially because power generation costs will be transferred to consumers.' 'For this reason,' they add, 'both households and companies interested in maximising power efficiency and cutting down monthly electricity bills are in search of viable self-consumption solutions.'

They estimate that, with the expected rise in electricity prices, self-consumption applications can reduce electricity bills by 10 to 25% in the next ten years. We should consider that, in the past three years, electricity prices have Brown by 20%, and the upward trend is expected to continue.

The first ten integrated solutions delivered by PROINSO range from 240Wp PV SYSTEM KITS ON GRID that can generate up to 384kWh/year to 5,760kWp KITS ON GRID that can generate up to 9,216kWh/year. KITS ON GRID - installation excluded -cost between euros 319 and euros 5.850. As can be seen in the table below, full return on investment can take 4.2 to 5.5 years if you do not consider the rise in electricity bills over the next years, which would provide full return on investment in less time.

PROINSO's self-consumption installations regulated by RD 1699/2011 for small applications were designed to comply with the net metering decree that is expected to be issued in the near future. All PROINSO solutions are available for Qualified Installers online at the PROINSO STORE (http://store.proinso.net).The site includes prices and kit configurations on demand. Self-consumption and net metering pros

In light of the legislation to be introduced in Spain soon regulating self-consumption with annual or monthly net metering compensating for the difference between energy inflows and outflows, at PROINSO they point out that, under net metering, 'consumers receive compensation for excess electricity production at various times in the period involved.'

This way, PROINSO bids on self-consumption and net metering because they reduce losses in the grid, guarantee power autonomy, reduce investments in distribution and transportation, give support to the system at times of peak demand and improve power supply, among other benefits.

At the Solar Industry Conference to take place in Madrid on 18 October 2012, PROINSO will share its experience on the legal approval of these three installations and present its self-consumption and net metering strategy. Organised by SOLARPRAXIS, The Solar Industry Conference has been held since 2007.//