Prosumers’ Behavior under a Regulation That Encourages Strict Self-Sufficiency. The Case of Spanish Photovoltaic Micro-Generation

Abstract

The reduction of equipment costs encourages the diffusion of photovoltaic micro-generation, however, proper regulatory measures should be implemented to facilitate self-production dissemination and to promote the emergence of new electricity markets which integrate prosumers. The specific form of these markets will depend on the level of prosumers’ self-sufficiency and the type of grid to which they will be connected. Unfortunately, Spain has been an example of resistance to micro-generation deployment. However, some things have started to change recently, albeit only to a certain extent. This article explains the key elements of the latest regulation of photovoltaic micro-generation in Spain and, through a stylized model, describes the economic behavior of prosumers in such a regulatory framework. It is concluded that this regulation only encourages prosumer plants which are strictly focused on self-sufficiency because it discourages exports and limits capacities and this regulation discourages the smart renewal of the distribution grid because it prevents prosumers from participating in the electricity market. It is recommended that the aforementioned regulatory limits be removed and pilot experiences for the market participation of prosumers be promoted by creating the appropriate technical and regulatory conditions, for example, at the municipal level.

Editorial on the Special Issue Entitled “Regulatory Frameworks Addressed to Promote Renewable Energy Sources and Microgrids. Regulatory Constraints and Implications on Conception, Design and Energy Management of Microgrids”

“…The obtained results demonstrate that different regulatory constraints (FIT, netmetering, and self-consumption) inform different energy system management strategies. These results are consistent with those obtained by the authors in previous works [1,2], and they corroborate the conclusions provided by the second [5] and third [6] articles in this Special Issue.…”

“…In this regard, it seems advisable to focus on this regulatory mechanism in the following readings. Concerning this topic, we suggest reading two papers in this Special Issue that specifically analyze some of Europe's most representative frameworks: the Danish self-consumption scheme [5] and the Spanish self-consumption scheme [6].…”

“…Regarding the Spanish self-consumption scheme, in the third article [6], the authors depict this current situation in relation to microgeneration. The analysis performed by the authors helps the reader understand how current regulatory constraints can shape the energy management of energy assets.…”