Energy Community Installation and Collective Self-Consumption

At Fotovol we design and install energy communities for residents, SMEs and local councils that want to generate and share renewable solar energy. We handle the entire turnkey process: from technical design and surplus distribution calculation, to photovoltaic installation, legalisation and procedures with the grid operator.

An energy community allows several users to share the energy generated by a common photovoltaic installation, reducing the electricity bill for all participants without each one needing to install their own panels. It is the most efficient model for residential blocks, industrial estates and municipalities that want to move towards collective energy independence.

Before installing, we design the energy community from scratch. We analyse the consumption profile of all participants, the available surface area and supply points to correctly size the installation and maximise each member’s savings.

Photovoltaic production calculation: We model the expected real generation according to orientation, tilt, available surface area and irradiation data for the area.
Surplus distribution design: We define the distribution coefficients so that each participant receives the proportional share of energy they are entitled to according to their consumption and contribution.
Technical and economic feasibility study: We calculate the estimated savings per participant, return on investment and project feasibility before committing any resources.
Regulatory compliance: We apply current European and Spanish energy community regulations, ensuring the project is legal, registrable and eligible for grants from day one.

Once the design and project feasibility are approved, we carry out the collective photovoltaic installation in full. Our technical team manages every phase of the process so that the energy community is operational, legalised and grid-connected without complications for the participants.

Photovoltaic module installation: Professional mounting of panels on rooftop, ground or canopy according to the project location, with certified structures and first-quality materials.
Distribution system configuration: Installation of metering equipment and remote management systems required for automatic surplus distribution among community participants.
Legalisation and registration: Processing of all permits, licences and registrations before the relevant authorities, including registration in the collective self-consumption registry.
Grid operator procedures: We fully manage all communication and procedures with the grid operator for the activation of surplus distribution on each participant's electricity bill.
Commissioning and verification: Complete system verification, real distribution check and delivery of the technical and legal documentation for the installation.

We design and install energy communities for any profile that wants to share renewable solar energy and reduce their electricity bill collectively.

- Residents' communities: Residential blocks that want to generate shared solar energy for common areas and individual homes, reducing the electricity bill for all owners without each one needing to install their own panels.
- SMEs and cooperatives: Businesses that want to reduce energy costs by sharing a collective photovoltaic installation with other companies in the same industrial estate or building, while also reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.
- Local councils and authorities: Municipalities that want to promote collective self-consumption projects for municipal buildings and citizens, taking advantage of Next Generation grants and energy transition programmes.

Energy communities are backed by a consolidated European and Spanish legal framework. RD 244/2019 regulates shared self-consumption, RD-Law 5/2023 legally recognises Citizen Energy Communities and the extension to a 2 km maximum distance between installation and consumers makes it easier for more homes and businesses to participate.

n terms of funding, there are grants for energy communities in Catalonia available through the SolarCoop programme from ICAEN (up to €80,000) and CE Implementa programme, municipal bonuses on local taxes and tax deductions applicable depending on the region. Projects combining an energy community with battery storage have access to additional grants.

At Fotovol we advise you on the current regulatory framework and how to use it to drive your project forward. Check our complete guide to energy community regulations to find out about legal structures, requirements and active funding calls.

Frequently asked questions about energy community installation

How many participants do I need to create an energy community?

There is no legal minimum number of participants, but from a technical and economic standpoint we recommend a minimum of 3-4 participants for the project to be viable. The more participants, the larger the possible installation and the greater the collective savings. At Fotovol we analyse your specific case and tell you whether the planned number of participants makes the project viable before committing any resources.

Can I create an energy community in my residential block without owning the roof?

Yes. Current regulations allow the installation to be located up to 2 km from the associated consumers, so it is not essential for the installation to be on the roof of the building itself. It can be located on a municipal roof, a nearby industrial estate or any other location within the permitted radius. At Fotovol we study the best location according to your case.

How long does it take for an energy community to become operational?

The timeframe depends on the complexity of the project and the administrative procedures of each municipality, but for standard projects the complete process — from the feasibility study to commissioning and activation of distribution on bills — usually takes several months. Procedures with the grid operator are typically the step that takes the most time. At Fotovol we manage the entire process to minimise timescales.

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