Soly launches Italy's largest network of Energy Communities: zero waste goal by 2030

Soly launches Italy's largest network of Energy Communities: zero waste goal by 2030

Soly, the Dutch clean energy tech company also operating in Italy since the beginning of the year, inaugurates its network of Energy Communities with the goal of making the Sun the primary energy source by 2030. 

Matteo Artero, Italy’s Country Manager says: “The Energy Community is a choice that not only protects the Planet but also boosts the local economy and strengthens the sense of belonging."

July 2024 - A local ecosystem where organizations, cooperatives, small and medium-sized enterprises, and citizens collaborate to produce and use electricity from renewable sources such as the Sun: this defines a Renewable Energy Community (REC), where the energy produced is shared virtually among the members of the Community through a network, without the need for a direct connection.

Renewable Energy Communities play a key role in sustainability, which today is not just an ethical choice but a necessity. As a matter of fact, on May 19th, Italy reached its overshoot day, marking the date when the country consumed all the renewable resources the planet can generate in one year. From May 20th onward, Italy has been consuming natural resources meant for future generations.

In this context, entities like Soly become crucial in the fight against climate change. Soly, the Dutch clean energy tech company operating in Italy since early 2024 with already 23 employees in the Italian office, has installed solar systems in the first half of the year, saving up to 1,500 tons of CO2 annually. Founded by the Van der Meulen brothers, who aimed to create a fully digital renewable energy business, Soly aims to reduce CO2 emissions in Italy by over 3,500 tons per year by 2030 and create Italy's largest Energy Community, a goal that is finally seeing concrete realization.

A local ecosystem of virtual sharing for a greener society

“In a traditional system, producers use the energy generated by their solar panels, selling any excess to the national grid,” comments Matteo Artero, Italy’s Country Manager. “Consumers, on the other hand, rely on the grid to meet their energy needs. The logic of the Energy Community reverses this trend: for the producer, any surplus is sold and shared within the REC, thus optimizing consumption. On the other hand, the consumer benefits from a closer connection, being able to draw on the energy of nearby producers with a positive impact on energy efficiency, but above all on the sense of community and orientation towards a common goal: sustainability.”

In this way, Renewable Energy Communities provide benefits not only from an economic standpoint but also environmentally and socially. Thanks to specific incentive mechanisms related to the energy produced and used, a REC allows for the generation of an energy income: the surplus energy is redistributed within the community, thus reducing bill costs. 

"The economic benefits of an Energy Community vary greatly by location,” adds Artero. “For instance, in a municipality with over 5,000 inhabitants, REC members receive an incentivized rate of about 0.14€/kWh for 20 years, based on plant size and market value. In smaller municipalities, members are also eligible for a 40% capital grant on the investment cost within 120 days of the request."

Equally important are the environmental impacts: Energy Communities promote the adoption of renewable sources, reducing fossil fuels dependance. Consequently, greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions are reduced, and benefits are generated for ecosystems and the climate. Additionally, local energy production and consumption mitigate the problem of grid losses.

Lastly, the social aspects should not be underestimated: RECs encourage social aggregation and sustainability education, managing to involve different segments of the population. Energy Communities are a key tool for promoting the development of inclusive and collaborative models, which can have a positive effect on both the territory and its people.

“Energy Communities reduce CO2 emissions, contribute to the fight against climate change, and make renewable energy more accessible, democratizing its use. Anyone, whether a small producer with solar panels or a company producing energy surplus, can join the REC and contribute to creating a clean and sustainable energy system. The Energy Community is a choice that not only protects the Planet but also boosts the local economy and strengthens the sense of belonging: this is why it is a priority for us to invest in such a project, which is not only useful but also generates great value,” concludes Artero.