Sharing solar energy through collective self-consumption

Collective self-consumption is possible between grid users occupying the same building (residence) or between neighbours (up to 3 buildings). In any case, the participation in collective self-consumption is always voluntary for the concerned network users.

We therefore take the initiative of bringing together the those interested being part of the sharing group, including at least one owner of a photovoltaic installation installed on the residence or on one of the buildings taking part in the sharing system.

Electricity is distributed between the members of the collective  group at the various members' supply points, based on a simple, static distribution model in which electricity is shared in proportion to consumption at the various supply points, or allocated on a priority or percentage basis to the members. On the basis of this model, the energy balance is drawn up by the grid operator.

To help us define the sharing model, we can consult the simulator available on weshareenergy.lu. This software can be used to simulate the sharing of electricity with other members of the self-consumption group and to test the rules according to which electricity can be shared.

We contact our electricity grid operator and take the necessary steps with them.
Complete list of electricity grid operators in Luxembourg:

• Creos Luxembourg S.A.: I create a myCreos account, and apply for "self-consumption" under "Easy Grid Connect". You can find further details here.
• Ville de Diekirch
• Ville d’Ettelbruck
• Sudstroum S.àr.l & Co S.e.c.s.

A detailed form (available on the grid operator's website) must be used to provide the following information:

• the representative of the collective self-consumption group
• the members/partners of the collective self-consumption group
• the electricity production and/or storage units
• the chosen model for allocating the electricity produced.

The steps taken with the grid operator culminate in the signing of a collective self-consumption agreement. The model can be consulted on the ILR website.

• In the case of a new installation for which we have opted for the 50% Klimabonus investment subsidy (for which we waive the feed-in tariff), we sign a purchase agreement for the surplus electricity (which we didn’t consume ourselves) with an electricity supplier of our choice.
• If it's a new installation for which we have opted for a 20% Klimabonus investment subsidy (so we benefit from the guaranteed feed-in tariff), or if it's an existing installation for which we still receive the guaranteed feed-in tariff (or the environmental incentive for installations dating from before the end of 2004), the conditions do not change, and we still receive the guaranteed tariff for every kWh we feed into the grid.
• In the case of an existing installation for which we no longer benefit from the guaranteed feed-in tariff or the environmental incentive, we must enter a purchase agreement for the surplus electricity (which we didn’t consume ourselves) with an electricity supplier of our choice.

To determine the terms and conditions of the arrangements, the financial compensation for the electricity distributed as well as the payment procedures, we sign a dedicated electricity allocation agreement between the members of our electricity sharing group.

Template for a standard electricity distribution agreement

Once the grid operator has approved our self-consumption and electricity sharing, the purchase agreement for surplus electricity has been signed and our electricity allocation agreement have been signed, we are ready to self-consume our electricity and share it among ourselves!

It is not necessary to set up a company (legal entity) for collective self-consumption.

Generally, there is no need for a professional installer.