Before deciding to make a large investment in one or more renewable energy systems, seek technical support from a professional to help you select the solution that best suits your property and your needs. Below is a brief description of some of the most commonly used renewable energy systems in Portugal, to help you understand which is the best solution for you.
Photovoltaic System
Mainland Portugal has an average of 2200 to 3000 hours of sunshine per year. This is the ideal system, if your building has an adequate roof with no shade and easy access.
A photovoltaic solar system allows solar radiation to be directly transformed into usable electrical energy. Its efficiency varies according to the type of installation, orientation and maintenance regime. The daytime-only production of electricity requires the installation of a support system for energy needs during night time. You can choose to sell surplus energy back to the grid and/or feed a battery system, to be used during no production periods.
Solar Water Heating System
This system can guarantee up to 70% of your hot water needs. It allows solar radiation to be transformed into heat. The adjacent tank allows hot water to be used both during daytime and at night.
However, support equipment is needed to restore the water temperature in periods when solar energy is not sufficient to meet hot water needs. These systems (typically an electrical or gas water heater) must work in conjunction with the SWH, always prioritising to the solar system during sunny hours.
As with the photovoltaic system, the efficiency of the solar water heating also varies according to the type of installation, orientation and maintenance.
Heat pump / Air conditioning
Although not 100% renewable, heat pumps are highly efficient systems that partially use renewable energy. This can be aerothermal or geothermal, depending on the type of system used, the first being more common in Portugal.
The most used type of heat pump is the air conditioning, which works as an air/air system, allowing the heating or cooling of internal spaces. There are also air/water systems, which use heat extracted from the air, thus reducing electrical energy consumption to produce hot or cold water. This water can then be used for hot water supply and/or climatization.
Heat pumps can also work in conjunction with photovoltaic equipment, allowing you to make the most of the efficiency of renewable energy.
Collective Self-consumption Solutions (ACC) or Renewable Energy Communities (CER)
There are collective solutions for decentralised production of electrical energy, particularly photovoltaic systems.
Through solutions regulated by Decreto-Lei n.º 15/2022 of 14 January, the aim is to reduce costs for the purchase and installation of renewable systems, allowing access to the general public.
- Collective Self-consumption (ACC)
It comprises the sharing of renewable energy between several consumers located in a close proximity, who come together to invest in a self-consumption production unit (UPAC). The operational management of each ACC will be the responsibility of a Collective Self-Consumption Management Entity (EGAC) or the condominium, represented by its administrator. The ACC is governed by internal regulations, which define the access rules and the way in which the electrical energy produced is shared.
- Renewable Energy Communities (CER)
Similar but legally more complex, a Renewable Energy Community (CER) is a legal entity, created through open and voluntary membership of its members, partners or shareholders. These may be individuals or companies, public or private, including local authorities. Participants must also be located in the vicinity of the self-consumption production unit (UPAC). CER’s main objective is to provide its members with environmental, economic and social benefits, rather than financial profits.