​The phenomenon of installing photovoltaic panels on houses has reached such a scale that next year we can reach an installed capacity of about 2000 MW in Romania, according to representatives of ANRE. By comparison, the Chernavoda nuclear reactor has an installed capacity of 700 MW. We are witnessing this phenomenon because the installation of photovoltaic panels has become a real business for consumers. The industrialist “must produce for himself, but it is starting to be a small business,” said Gabriel Andronake, vice-president of the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE), during the Romanian Energy Symposium – SIREN.

He stated that at the current rate, the level of installed capacity of 2,000 MW will be reached next year. Almost all estimates made today have been exceeded. Two years ago, ANRE estimated that a capacity of 2,000 MW would be reached by 2030.

However, there may be problems with maintaining the frequency of the power system, as happened in other countries, for example in Poland, the NARE representative also noted. Therefore, it is necessary to find balance formulas and “think about storage to reduce the pressure on the distribution area.”

Last week, HotNews.ro wrote that the number of people installing photovoltaics in their homes (prosumers) is growing at a very high rate. But even greater is the rate of increase in installed capacity by consumers, which means that each is installing more and more PV, in many cases beyond consumption requirements. What happens to this excess energy? It goes to the network, and the owner of the photovoltaic installation receives money for each kWh. without paying taxes.

In essence, owning photovoltaic panels has become a business. But without restrictions in place, that business could turn against consumers as the power grid is so old and worn that it can’t cope, leading to blackouts.

Consumers are encouraged by the assistance provided by the state through the Environmental Fund. Financing is provided in the amount of a maximum of 20,000 lei, subject to a personal contribution of the beneficiary in the amount of 2,000 lei. But these are not the only advantages of prosumers.

What amenities are offered to consumers?

right ANRE dataconsumers can sell electricity produced and transmitted in electric networks to electricity suppliers with whom they have entered into contracts for the supply of electricity.

– Quantitative compensation between electricity produced from renewable sources and delivered to the electricity network by physical and legal consumers who own power plants from renewable sources with an installed capacity of no more than 200 kW per point of consumption

– Financial regulation between electricity produced from renewable sources and delivered to the electricity network by physical and legal consumers who own power plants from renewable sources with an installed capacity of more than 200 kW, but not more than 400 kW per point of consumption. (Photo: Dreamstime.com)