Energy becomes a common good
People, businesses and local authorities working together to produce, use and share green energy.
An alternative energy model
A Renewable Energy Community is based on cooperation and proximity. It cuts costs and reduces carbon footprint, provides access to dedicated funding while enhancing the territory's natural resources.
It's legally constituted
It requires bylaws and articles of incorporation defining the legal form (such as an association or cooperative), a unique code and agreements with the GSE (Energy Services Manager).
It's open to everyone
Members can include households, SMEs, public authorities, associations and third sector organizations. Large companies, energy-intensive businesses and those who've already received incentives cannot participate.
It includes incentives
Households, businesses and municipalities can access dedicated funding. Municipalities up to 50,000 residents, for example, can benefit from support under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
It's based on participation
A REC only really works when there's a good level of trust among participants. It requires transparency, a spirit of sharing and a sense of community among members.
Energy as shared value, not just economic.
At the heart of a Renewable Energy Community is a vision of the future built on proximity, social justice and active citizenship. Together we can
- tackle energy poverty
- promote a circular economy
- enhance communities
Joining a REC pays off!
For every kWh shared, you’re entitled to incentives from the Energy Services Manager and can access dedicated public funding. But financial benefits aren’t the only advantage!
It's a solidarity system
Excess energy produced can be used by others. It's a mutual support model that strengthens social cohesion and encourages shared responsibility.
It generates clean energy
It relies on renewables to produce clean energy, reducing fossil fuel dependence and boosting local independence.
It brings places back to life
Shared energy can be used to upgrade public buildings or abandoned spaces, transforming them into active places that serve the community.
You choose your role!
In a REC, you decide what role to play. You can be a producer, consumer or prosumer.
Either way, you cut your bills, receive non-taxable incentives and help protect the environment.
Producer
As a producer, you generate renewable energy for example with a solar installation feed it into the REC network and get financial returns for the energy shared.
Consumer
As a consumer, you use energy produced by community members and save on your bills. You don't need to own an installation: just be part of the community.
Prosumer
As a prosumer, you produce and consume energy at the same time, using it when available and sharing it.
FAQ
Who can participate in a REC?
To join a REC, you don’t have to install a system. You can participate in a community simply by consuming energy that other members make available. However, if you join as a producer, there are two requirements:
- If you already have a system, it must have been built after December 16, 2021
- You cannot exceed 1 MW (1,000 kW) capacity
What renewable energy installations can be included in a REC?
Not just solar! RECs can also include hydroelectric, wind, biogas, biomass installations and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Does shared energy need to be declared as income?
The REC contribution received from GSE is tax-exempt for individuals and isn’t considered taxable income, except in specific cases:
- If the system produces energy exceeding self-consumption and the energy is sold
- If the system has capacity above 20 kW or isn’t for domestic use
Are there distance limits?
All consumers and producers must be located in the area served by the same primary substation of the national electricity grid, meaning they must have their connection points linked to that specific substation. The GSE website has an interactive map showing all primary substations across the country.
Dicono di noi
Would you like to join a REC?
Reach out to our team to assess technical and administrative feasibility and the possibility of joining ours: the Eteria ETS Foundation.
- info@replanet.it
- 800.857803
- Sede operativa:
Zona Industriale, Via Marco Polo, 37
87036 Rende (CS)