Smart eco and sustainability

Implementation of the EU Energy Market Directive In this period issues such as ecological and energy transition, energy management, energy communities are much discussed: certainly they are extremely interesting issues that need a concrete implementation. But how to implement them? Many concrete answers come from the very recent decree implementing the EU Directive on the electricity market. The decree was approved in final examination by the Council of Ministers no. 45 of November 4, 2021 (Press release of the Council of Ministers no. 45 | www.governo.it); it is currently awaiting publication in the Official Gazette. It contains the guidelines dictated by the EU Directive, adapted to the situation of the Italian energy market. On these guidelines will be based the implementing decrees that will be issued by the competent bodies: the implementing decrees are in fact the practical rules to be implemented and followed in the electricity market.   Which are the guidelines in the decree? Let us now go into the specifics of the regulations dictated by the decree, trying to understand the important clarifications and innovations introduced. From reading the text, some salient points stand out, such as the attribution of roles and rights and the introduction of definitions of fundamental elements in the energy market; among these: The definition of energy communities and the novelties referred to them. The definition of active customer and the related rights and charges. Generally speaking, specific protection is defined for the end customer who decides to become an active customer (and therefore an energy producer): this therefore proves to be an advantageous move. The definition of aggregation and related customer rights. The definition of energy storage and the conditions under which it can be applied. The introduction of the conditions necessary for an energy price adjustment. The clarification of the responsibility of distribution system operators for the integration needs of distributed generation. The introduction of conditions for the possession of charging points for electric mobility.   What changes for energy communities? We have seen that the decree discussed so far dictates guidelines for certain changes to the entire electricity market. Going then into the specifics of renewable energy communities, in the decree there are some important turning points; let’s see which ones: The extension of the plant power granted in energy communities up to 1MW; The change in geographic limits: one moves from the limit of the transformation cabin from medium to low voltage to the transformation cabin from high to medium voltage in order to become members of the same community: the community, therefore, can take on considerably larger dimensions; The addition of a greater number of types of subjects who are authorized to take part in renewable energy communities; The addition of additional services (beyond collective self-consumption) that a community can provide. In addition to these specific changes, it is extremely important that the decree provides a definition of energy communities. This demonstrates that interest in these energy schemes is growing more and more, and not only that: with the transposition of the European directive, it also demonstrates the concrete commitment of the state in encouraging the practical implementation of them. Energy communities, in fact, represent the ideal solution for the problems that occur in the management of the energy network. With their introduction it is possible to move from a concentrated energy model with large distributors to a distributed energy model with small local distributors. In this way, the exchange of energy is favored in order to obtain a “leaner” and more robust energy system with a more simplified organizational model than the previous one. From this point of view, therefore, the energy communities can be seen as a solution to the problems that have occurred so far in the management of the energy network.  

Power generation from renewable sources, such as PV panels, has a very positive environmental impact. Although dimensions and proportions are completely different compared to other power generation methods, the carbon footprint of this clean energy cannot be denied.  Which impact does the PV industry have on our planet? Let’s analyse the emissions during the different stages of the product life cycle: Manufacturing Use Disposal Environmental impact of solar panels manufacturing Quartz extraction and its transformation in polysilicon require high temperature plants, this means energy-consuming systems. The use of this material – which is a great semiconductor for energy transmission to photovoltaic cells – is not toxic nor dangerous for the public safety, as shown by a study carried out by the North Carolina University. Silicon is the second most abundant element on the Earth’s crust, the first one is oxygen. It is a very common semi-metal found in nature as a compound: it is contained in sand, granite, clay and precious stones such as quartz, amethyst, agate, opal and it is the major component of glass, ceramic and cement. Beside being widely used in electronics thanks to its conductive properties, Sillicon is used to produce almost all the PV panels currently on the market and photovoltaic cells are almost entirely made of it. Anyway, these cells weight less than 2% of the whole panel structure. Silicon quantity, in the form of almost impalpable wafers, is a really small one. No doubt that the quantity of glass composing the frontal cover and the aluminium composing the frame (where required) is much bigger. Therefore, we can consider a PV panel just like a window with its frame. Other types of panels use the cadmium telluride (CdTe) instead of polysilicon. Environmental impact is lower, just like the costs: unfortunately, efficiency is also compromised. While speaking of environmental impact, our attention focuses on cadmium, known as a toxic heavy metal. In this case too, the study carried out by the University of North Carolina points out that “pure” cadmium is totally different from its compounds, which are more chemically stable, therefore safer. The compound of the heavy metal guarantees a very small quantity of cadmium, with an extremely low degree of toxicity, hundred times lower that the free metal. Cadmium telluride is not volatile, therefore not inhalable and it is not soluble in water. Using this extremely safe compound, this energy conductor is not dangerous for humans, nor for the environment. We must also highlight that coal and petrol combustions release a 300 times higher quantity of this kind of substances. Carbon footprint of a functioning PV system According to a study carried out by the University of Utrecht, a PV system will pay back in 2 years the carbon footprint generated for his realization (energy payback time), corresponding to 20g/kWh of CO2. Considering that a solar panel has an average lifespan longer that 25 years, one-twelfth of its life is dedicated to paying back its environmental carbon footprint. Nothing compared to those 400-500 g/kWh produced by the panels on the market during the ’70s, disposable in 20 years. Most importantly, this is nothing compared to any other energy source, in particular non-renewable energies. Furthermore, this study has shown that the growing production of solar energy reduces the energy needed to manufacture a solar panel and the connected CO2 emissions (respectively 12% and 17-24% at each doubling of solar power generating capacity). In recent years, greater energy efficiency and the continuous innovation  towards circular economy suggest an even greener future for photovoltaic. Disposal and recycle of PV panels After an average time of 25 years it is more convenient to replace PV panels, even if they are still functioning. This can be defined as the panels “end of life”, although this is not accurate, meaning we have to concern about their disposal. According to the Italian law, for example, a specific procedure must be followed in order to avoid any dispersion of pollutants in the environment and to optimize the recovery of recyclable materials. In order to ensure a proper disposal of your panel you should rely on a WEEE collection centre, by filling out a specific form. This way a proper separation of aluminium, plastic, glass, copper, silver and silicon or cadmium telluride – depending on the panel – can be performed. These substances will be recycled to produce new panels: the percentage of recovered materials can reach the 95%. The positive carbon footprint of photovoltaic in the world The environmental impact of the photovoltaic must be considered positive and always improving. Globally installed PV capacity exceeds 400GW (gigawatt), with a production of 370 TWh (terawatt-hours) in the last year, corresponding to 1.5% of the global energy supply. This is supposed to reduce the production of greenhouse gases of about 170 Mt (million tons).

Long recognised as hubs driving innovation and cultural evolution, cities are again the centre of attention, and not just for us, due to their role in the unrelenting development of all things “smart”. This term should be interpreted with its full range of meaning, including intelligence and even awareness. Technology that is truly at our service, in all aspects of life, should offer awareness of the fundamental parameters of daily life, allowing lifestyle improvements. From phones to watches, right through to homes, and energy meters, grids and smart energy communities. The next stop: Smart Cities.   Smart cities are a key component of the United Nations goals. In fact, when we talk about digital energy, it is unavoidable to also discuss urban centres, where it prospers: according to Eurostat data, urban centres contain 75% of the European population, along with the relative energy consumption and carbon footprint. Taking a step back and considering the planet as a whole, this percentage drops to 50%, but the numbers are growing. According to the United Nations, today there are 3.5 billion people living in urban areas globally, and this will grow by at least 10 percentage points by 2030. Covering just 3% of the earth’s surface, cities are responsible for at least 60% of world energy consumption and 75% of carbon emissions. Based on these figures, the natural evolution of cities towards a smart future will have to include crucial attention to environmental sustainability as a fundamental principle, promoted by the digital transformation to achieve goal no. 11 of the UN Agenda 2030: “Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.” There are two targets that are particularly relevant here: enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries; reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. The European Union Urban Agenda, launched in 2016 with the Pact of Amsterdam, follows the indications of the United Nations and forms part of a process of growth that also includes the Clean Energy Package. At the service of the people living in them, smart cities must therefore hold this as their mission, alongside and inextricably tied to other spheres that characterise cities of the future.   Features of a smart city As with all other smart entities, smart cities represent far more than simply integrating technology into daily life. According to the EU, a smart city must aim to offer greater awareness to improve various aspects of the lives of its citizens, starting from their participation in public life and services offered by the public administration. In a smart city, people are at the centre of the collective thought process and are involved in decision making and growth, driving inclusiveness and participatory policy. The web and digital channels in general have allowed proliferation of ideas originating from virtual sharing, with a bottom-up dynamic. The public administration has to respond to these smart citizens with the same energy and readiness to reform local bureaucracy. In the same vein, businesses also need to be promoted and spotlighted by new technology, in a context of participatory economics, and increased productivity and employment. The focus of smart cities on well-being of citizens must regard services for health and education, key aspects of daily life with significant scope for technological improvement, as we have seen during the period of lockdown, e.g. via remote learning. It is also important not to overlook safety: innovation can allow real-time control and warning systems to effectively combat crime and make public spaces safer, giving new life and purpose to such areas. Let’s get right to the heart of what a “smart city” really is, which is particularly relevant for us. A smart city focuses on smart mobility: from shared mobility to slow mobility, which involves rethinking the flows of traffic of citizens to promote use of bicycles or travelling on foot, and through to e-mobility, i.e. electric public transport powered with photovoltaic systems, as well as smart parking systems that ease traffic, optimising average parking times. All of these solutions reduce the environmental impact of the city, increasing energy savings and reducing long-term costs. Finally, but certainly the most important aspect of the smart environment for us, is the category including all solutions introduced to drastically cut energy wastage, greenhouse gas emissions and waste. Environmentally sustainable development is founded on concepts that we value greatly: energy upgrading, increasing efficiency and smart and digital energy.   Energy communities as a driver of smart cities This aspect of smart cities requires the creation of a smart grid connecting smart buildings capable of optimising their consumption: in short, a smart grid that requires a new, decentralised, local and collective energy model, in the form of energy communities. The key thing to highlight here is that not only highly developed cities such as London, Singapore and New York are capable of integrating energy communities to increase levels of sustainability. The digital-energy revolution can also begin from small urban centres. Energy communities can already prosper in towns and cities of any size, simplifying citizen’s lives, making them more aware of their energy consumption and allowing them to optimise consumption through sharing. Dimensions and concentration do not affect the natural suitability of urban centres for energy sharing. It is in cities with a variety of energy profiles combined intelligently via Regalgrid’s algorithms where perfect energy communities can be created. Currently, the true requirements to launch an energy community are related to the individual residential units, which must be powered by the same low or medium-voltage transformer substation, and a desire to be part of the energy of tomorrow. Regalgrid’s SNOCU units allow anybody to be an actor of change, whether you are an artisan, commercial business, public administration or simply a citizen, and whether you have a photovoltaic system, storage system or you are just a consumer. This revolution in the energy sector is the first essential step towards the broader innovation characterising smart cities.

Each country is attempting to define new scenarios following the coronavirus emergency, along with new methods to relaunch their economy. What role can energy play in this process of renewal? Can this crisis become an opportunity? Here are a few examples of different ways in which countries are approaching the situation.   Europe and the Green Deal at the centre of recovery President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen speaks of a world and a Europe that are gradually recovering after coronavirus. But we should not let this slow recovery give us a false impression of the results in the fight against climate change, a disease affecting our planet that is far from defeated, and has only been temporarily eased by these months of lockdown and a reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions. Global warming will continue, states von der Leyen, unless we take advantage of this difficult situation to act even more decisively and stop using fossil fuels, avoiding falling back into the old polluting habits that are destroying our planet. Recovery of the economy, and its health, like that of our planet, depend on investment in renewables, from growing use of electric cars to renovation and actions to increase the energy efficiency of our homes, the purchase of sustainable food and implementation of a circular-economy model with reuse of materials instead of their disposal. This, in essence, is the European Green Deal planned to relaunch the economy and make it more resilient, transforming the coronavirus crisis into an opportunity. According to MEPs, the Green Deal must therefore remain at the centre of the plan for economic recovery following coronavirus, and this is necessarily reflected in Europe’s Recovery Plan as presented on 27 May in the Adjusted Commission Work Programme 2020. As stated by President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, even though Europe is a single market and recovery is inconceivable unless it is based on collaboration between Member States, each government is taking actions to relaunch its own country, also by incentivising reduced energy consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions.   The situation in Italy: the “Relaunch Decree” and “Superbonus” Italy is approaching its relaunch with a far-reaching decree named the “Relaunch Decree”. In relation to energy efficiency, the Decree proposes a “Superbonus”, a strengthened incentive aimed to promote the relaunch of the construction sector whilst also increasing the average energy efficiency of Italian residential buildings, which currently have an average energy rating of class G. The Superbonus incentive consists of 110% tax-deductibility over a five-year period: any works included must allow improvement in the building’s energy rating by two rating classes, or where this is impossible, the highest class, with submission of an energy certificate. In addition, the Decree offers the possibility of a discount on the bill for works with relative allocation of credit. This allows a discount to be requested directly from the company performing works, which can in turn claim this back in the form of tax credit. The company can also decide to transfer the credit to banks and financial intermediaries. The main works covered are significant energy-efficiency actions and seismic retrofitting that allow a real jump in the quality of the home. This includes thermal insulation, replacement of central heating systems and seismic retrofitting. These beneficial works allow application of the 110% deductibility figure also for other works of primary importance for energy independence: installation of a photovoltaic system, with or without a storage system, addition of storage to an existing system or the installation of an electric-vehicle charging station.   The UK Although the UK has not yet integrated a recovery package based on renewables and energy efficiency, certain legislation introduced prior to the pandemic was already targeted at the overall improvements in energy efficiency that Italy is aiming for with its Superbonus 2020. Since April 2018, rental properties must have at least energy class E and since April 2020 this requirement has been extended to cover existing contracts. The maximum spending limit is £ 3,500. Unlike in Italy, the British government does not provide incentives in the form of grants, focusing instead on obligations for sustainable works that are accessible via incentivised loans, also partially supported by the ECO (Energy Company Obligation) In terms of supporting renewables, the UK has currently extended the deadline of the FIT scheme by six months for applications which have already expired since 1 March 2020 and those which will expire before 30 September.   Around the world: the proposals in Australia The Australian federal government is also looking for a solution to stimulate the economy by taking advantage of economic energy sources, whilst also hitting the 2050 zero-emissions target. This is why it has shown particular interest in hydrogen technologies and solutions focused on carbon capture and storage. Meanwhile, the third largest Australian party by vote, the Australian Greens, are pushing for renewables: “Invest to recover” is the action plan proposed by the party, not to return to normal but rather to redefine an improved version of normal. In the words of the party’s leader Adam Bandt: “Change is not only possible, it’s essential”, and the key to this improved and more sustainable normal is to invest in renewable-energy infrastructure, in manufacturing and public sectors, generating employment across the board.   Tasmania The Tasmanian Liberal Government has identified renewable energy as a key economic driver as we rebuild a stronger Tasmania. Tasmania can harness the immense potential in renewable energy to grow our economy, attract investment, create jobs and transform Tasmania from being Australia’s renewable energy powerhouse into a world leader of clean, reliable and affordable energy. These were the words of premier of the liberal government of Tasmania, Peter Gutwein, also Minister for Climate Change, on announcing the Renewable Energy Action Plan published on 13 May 2020 to achieve the 200% renewable energy target, corresponding to 21,000 GWh, by 2040. With an expanding energy sector such as that of renewables in Tasmania, the government expects generation of thousands of jobs and an increase in investment up to 7 billion by 2030.

Emergency. This has been one of the most widely used terms in recent months, and with good reason. And this is typically followed by another: “economic crisis”. These give an accurate representation of the facts: the COVID-19 epidemic is certainly an emergency, and one that first brought the health service to its knees, before generating significant consequences for markets in numerous countries. Whilst the world is gradually reopening for business and relaunching, it is important to reflect on what the future holds and what this emergency has taught us. “Emergency” and “crisis”: let’s take these terms as a starting point. In common usage, both of these suggest a sense of urgency, difficulty and alarm. But their etymological origins lead us to deeper and rather different meanings. The term “Emergency” derives from the Latin emergĕre, which in turn comes from mergĕre, “immerse, submerge”, and combined with the prefix “e-” gives the sense “appear, rise to the surface”. Meanwhile, the word “crisis” derives from the equivalent Latin term crisis and the Greek κρίσις, both having the sense of “choice, decision”. And it is from here that we should re-begin: in a scenario where everything has been turned upside down, now is the time to grasp the opportunities that emerge from the crisis, blocking out the information overdose that bombards us, and decide how to move forward.   The post-COVID-19 reality: a new equilibrium, where nothing has been lost The laws of thermodynamics have a helpful message: nothing is destroyed, everything changes. Irreversibly. This is how we should view the crisis: an opportunity for transformative change. Society and the economy have altered and will not return to their pre-Coronavirus state. Both will have greater entropy: a new balance with a partial transformation of resources that will have to be reinvented and refined, directed towards a new purpose. This means that what appeared to have been destroyed must be relaunched via new methods and a new form. We need to view the situation from a different perspective, freed from the chains of a now obsolete system, unsuitable for the new balance that must come. This is the first, fundamental step towards a solution. All sectors of society are reinventing themselves and so are the various economic sectors, some given an advantage by their intangible, digital nature, and others that have to rebuild from the ground up.   Disruption and breaking with the past is an opportunity to rethink future dynamics But this energy-based metaphor is more than merely a platform for philosophical reflection; it is perfectly aligned with the real changes that we are currently experiencing. The energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation. And what if Coronavirus had never existed? In many ways, this question is irrelevant and leads only to a series of regrets, but it is worth considering for one specific point: in a normal spring, digital energy would have been the topic for discussion, starting with smart grids and Energy Communities. Digitalisation of energy infrastructure is bringing incremental changes would have been inconceivable just a couple of centuries ago when the photovoltaic effect was first observed. And what was impossible for almost two hundred years is now quickly establishing itself, to the extent that we find the legislation is trying to keep up with development, rather than laws themselves defining change. But social changes often move ahead of legislation, and science and technology are a product of the society that nurtures them. Energy digitalisation is bringing about a complete paradigm shift in the generation, management and consumption of energy. It is an evolution that could represent a metaphor for the changes necessary to face the economic crisis in the wake of SARS-CoV-2. These two processes are connected by the concept of disruption: a break from the past, which is not necessarily causally linked to a catastrophic event, but can be, as in the case of this health emergency. From a digital perspective, it has been a natural and gradual progression linked to the introduction of new technologies: the energy sector is a clear example of this. For certain business segments, however, integration of digital technology represents a target that is still a long way off, as is the case for many artisan enterprises. A break from the status quo following this epidemic has instead been unexpected and unsettling, and extremely far removed from other recent changes. There are many different ways to respond to a crisis, passing through various states of acceptance, but the important thing is not to be overcome, as rebirth is born out of resilience. Already, in the last few months, the textile and manufacturing industries have reinvented themselves to meet health requirements, and every day we see examples in the news of new ways to rethink production.   Cooperation is the new key to interpret events In this context of renewal, another aspect that is shared with the energy revolution is the importance of the individual’s contribution for the benefit of the community. Over the last two months, we have seen numerous virtuous examples of individuals and groups of people giving support to others, as far as each person’s knowledge and abilities allow, meeting the needs of those in difficulty. Just think of all of the doctors and health workers that have responded to calls from the government on a voluntary basis. Cooperation and sharing of resources by these individuals represent a humanitarian gesture and a gift to the community. In the world of energy, these values find application in a new model for energy management with the goal of permanently changing the future of consumption, making it sustainable economically, but above all socially and environmentally. This is the goal of the energy revolution. It is the DER (distributed energy resource) model that will allow this change, represented by decentralised resources for the generation of renewable energy, which are no more than local photovoltaic systems, largely residential installations. Governments are analysing how to integrate these resources strategically for the development of each country, as renewables could become an important driver of recovery. State incentives and repayment mechanisms for clean energy input into the national grid are only the start and need to make room for wider-reaching actions. As soon as possible, every country needs clear legislation that defines the contribution of decentralised resources in a more structured way. One positive example is the Australian government, that is developing a solution to meet the need for a decentralised energy-generation model, made essential also by the extreme weather events that the country experiences. The Coronavirus emergency has simply served to accelerate this process for incremental implementation of a DER model.   Cooperation means communities But distributed generation is not enough: it must be followed up with smart, distributed, decentralised management of energy flows, supporting clean energy. This is enabled and will continue to spread thanks to progressive and widespread introduction of Energy Communities, a democratic approach for access to renewable energy. This is not only because the benefits of moving away from fossil-fuels are experienced collectively, but because anybody can join a community, even if they are unable to install a photovoltaic system. Regalgrid has also asked itself how it can evolve, embracing the new normal. And we have identified a clear answer: we want to promote this new beginning. How? First of all, we want to give everybody the option to monitor their consumption and their energy bills. The SNOCU unit is Regalgrid’s solution to move towards a new community characterised by connection and sharing, uniting informed consumers. We want to increase energy resilience, using our digital platform that favours the creation of a distributed micro-fabric of generation and storage. But above all, our goal is to ensure that everybody can access clean energy. And we hope that clean energy will soon become the primary source, and in an ideal world the only source, for energy consumption.

Smart meters are intelligent measurement devices that allow precise electricity, gas and water consumption data to be recorded. In the case of electricity, these devices create a communication network between the various nodes of the smart grid, monitoring incoming and outgoing energy flows for users with a renewable energy system, and optimising the system with two-way communication for users connected to a digital energy community with Regalgrid’s SNOCU unit. The race to install smart meters is picking up pace across the world. According to the Power & Renewables report published by research company Wood Mackenzie, between now and 2025, utility companies will invest over $ 30 billion for installation of over 300 million smart meters. This will bring the number of installed devices to 1.3 billion. But why are they so important? And above all: how do they work?   Smart metering Smart metering as a principle allows energy efficiency strategies to be established. In fact, smart measuring and monitoring of consumption data is essential not only for service companies distributing energy and gas, but also for consumers, allowing them to be more aware and, consequently, more active in improving their own energy efficiency. As technology makes it increasingly smart and economic, this monitoring is also becoming accessible for end users. These systems offer numerous advantages for all parties: Reduction in management costs for readings and contracts, now controlled remotely Increased frequency of readings Grid monitoring and optimisation of maintenance in the case of losses Possibility of free market competition User awareness of consumption and wastage, provided by real-time metering of consumption and relative analysis using optimisation algorithms such as those offered by Regalgrid Improved energy habits and increased energy savings Reduced energy costs for the user. How does a smart meter work? Using a pre-defined protocol, new-generation smart meters record total energy consumption and the quantities consumed through the day for each day of the week. A two-way communication system sends data electronically using radio or PLC technology (transmission of information via the electricity network using waves sent through Power Line Communication). This allows data to reach the distribution company, which verifies it and sends it on to the seller within 24-30 hours. To understand the true potential and benefits we need to take a quick look at the evolution of smart meters.   Smart meters in Europe In Italy, the interest in smart meters began well before the race towards energy digitalisation that we are currently seeing. It was the first country in Europe to introduce these devices. In 2001, energy distribution companies began large-scale use of first-generation electronic smart meters on their own initiative, installing them for low-voltage end customers. From 2007, this became mandatory and the changeover was completed in 2011. In the meantime, Sweden was the only country to join in this innovative move, installing the new devices between 2003 and 2009. The positive impact of first-generation smart meters was revolutionary at the time. Finally, it was possible to take actual hour-by-hour readings on a monthly basis (remote readings) grouped by time bands, in addition to performing remote management actions. These two aspects allowed a reduction in management costs. The next countries to join the trend were Finland and Malta (2009), followed by Spain, Austria and Poland (2011-2012). All the other European states only started to get involved following European Parliament Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency. In the UK, installation began in 2015 and should be completed this year. In Italy, the European directive was adopted by upgrading the features of meters, resulting in a new version, the second-generation (2G) meters. These new meters allowed a series of goals to be achieved: an increase in efficiency of readings and management an increase in the level of consumption detail availability of readings to sellers within 24 hours the possibility for customers to consult data in real time the option for notifications to be sent by the meter in the case of anomalies. The benefits of a smart meter These digital devices offer numerous advantages compared to the first-generation technology, including high-performance for long periods of time and integration of each household into a smart grid supporting the development of ever smarter cities. Let’s take a detailed look at the benefits of 2G smart meters for our day-to-day lives.   Lower bills based on actual consumption A high number of precise readings (one every two minutes) and sending of detailed readings to the operator (once every 15 minutes) means that bills are no longer based on estimates and balances but on real consumption figures. Flexible tariffs Again thanks to this real-time metering, sellers can calibrate tariffs using a maximum of six price bands. Ideally, it will be possible to have a personalised tariff based on your style of consumption. Grid stability Constant readings offer the chance to identify and manage consumption peaks and analyse consumption based on various categories, supporting greater grid stability. Swift meter servicing It will no longer be necessary to telephone for servicing and maintenance from a mobile technician, with operations instead being performed remotely by the distribution company. Precise management of the supply contract Very detailed metering and transmission of data allow correct management of contracts in the event of moving to a new house, transferring a contract to another name or resolving possible disputes regarding inaccurate charges. Daily monitoring of consumption 2G smart meters allow daily monitoring of consumption but still do not support dialogue with the end user. Specifically, aggregation of data on a quarter-hourly basis does not permit detailed networked operations for systems that require far quicker reactivity. For this purpose, smart meters can be connected with third-party communication devices that use platforms allowing customers access via web or smartphone. One such device is Regalgrid’s SNOCU unit, that also interfaces with a certified meter, permitting real-time monitoring of consumption levels and offering the user the possibility to adapt their behaviour for greater energy savings. It is the real-time management and two-way communication capabilities of the SNOCU units that make them the perfect candidate to become the nodes of a digital, interconnected global energy grid. This will make it possible to increase consumption of energy from renewables sufficiently to meet the UN Agenda 2030 targets, demonstrating the product’s central role in establishing a sustainable energy future.   Smart meters Therefore, 2G electronic meters are not the only smart meters available. We automatically think of these devices, given the global roll-out in progress, but measurement devices manufactured and certified by third parties for the end user are another option. These smart meters can be integrated directly with an existing meter or connected to it in the case of traditional meters, allowing monitoring and tracking of your consumption in real time and without information being filtered via the energy supplier. This awareness becomes even more detailed if you are also equipped with smart appliances or smart plugs. This is clear if you are the owner of a photovoltaic system and even more so if you own a storage system. Your meter not only reads your consumption but also your production and storage data. A SNOCU unit with an appropriate license will give you access to all performance details for the various devices, allowing you to advance to the next level and actively control and programme them remotely according to your needs. Until now, we have had to hand over awareness and responsibility for metering to third parties, but now is the time to take back control and embrace the responsible use of renewable energy.

Grid independence is possible, but not in the way you may have imagined it. In order to launch our efforts and play an active role in the energy sector we need to change our perspective. Originally, the concept of independence was viewed as the complete absence of a grid connection, such as in the case of stand-alone or off-grid systems that are often found in mountainous regions and areas poorly served by the national grid. However, this vision of energy autonomy is limited and rather out-dated. Energy independence is now viewed quite differently.   What does energy independence mean today? Energy independence is understood as complete autonomy from the national electricity grid, which is based on a large-scale, concentrated energy model. According to this model, generation of electricity is centralised and primarily founded on transformation of fossil fuels and hydrocarbons into electricity at large power stations. From there, energy is transmitted through a hierarchical structure, first at high voltage, then medium voltage and finally through low-voltage distribution grids, using a very costly and wasteful process. In this model, autonomy is understood as the capacity to support your own energy requirements with domestic or, rather, local generation of electricity and heat. To achieve complete independence, various steps are required: understanding how much energy needs to be produced, being able to produce the full amount required without relying on the national operator and having the possibility to use the energy when you need it. In this rush towards independence, it is important to be aware that there are no tricks or shortcuts to reduce bills, but rather a methodical reduction of energy wastage that begins with assessment of your own consumption habits. Another important consideration is that it is not possible to succeed alone: as is so often the case, “there is strength in numbers”. This approach makes it clear that completely cutting your connection to the national grid is certainly not the solution. Instead, we must utilise it with a different logic and find a new way to exploit the available resources to achieve independence. Let’s break things down.   Energy independence is the product of many small measures Change will come with small, cumulative daily actions that contribute to the energy efficiency of our home. Above all, being independent means being aware of our consumption habits, allowing us to correct our behaviour and eliminate wastage. The second step in increasing efficiency is to monitor domestic consumption and understand when and for how long certain devices should be switched off and when to replace appliances because they waste too much energy. With this in mind, smart domotics can be a powerful tool, e.g. smart plugs combined with a SNOCU unit with Consumer programme can help us to define our energy profile. This will help us to reduce the quantity of energy we need to produce. Another essential element to improve our energy savings is thermal insulation for our homes: a well-insulated home saves energy. These types of actions are combined with the possibility to connect cutting-edge thermostats, heat-pumps and boilers to the Regalgrid® platform, improving system efficiency.   How to produce the energy required for energy autonomy The only solution that allows you to achieve individual energy independence is to install a photovoltaic system. Measurement and monitoring of our consumption is a great help in identifying the most suitable solution for our needs, also in terms of system size. Remember that a system without storage allows autonomy of around 35%, whilst systems with storage allow an increase in self-consumption to between 65% and 75% of energy required, depending on the size of panels and capacity of the storage system. This solution current represents the best-case scenario for energy independence based solely on individual self-consumption, whether instantaneous or deferred.   How to achieve complete energy independence The current solution for full independence is identified by thinking outside the box and looking beyond the most obvious solutions towards a more sustainable future for all. It is not viable to purchase a personal storage system big enough to cover the entire energy requirements of a household, as it would simply be too expensive and take up too much space. Instead, we should start to consider the many small storage systems of citizens, companies and public authorities, along with their photovoltaic systems as a single large-scale decentralised system, a distributed system, connected as a smart grid and constantly communicating via the Regalgrid® platform. This energy community allows us to share excess energy with all other members that need it at that moment and vice versa. By profiling consumption, we will be able to optimise the cost of energy that we need to receive from others. Thus, self-consumption will pass from an individual model to a collective one and you will be increasingly less reliant on the medium and high-voltage grids for energy needs. So, should you disconnect from the national grid? Absolutely not. As established at the beginning of the article, we need to make the most of all tools at our disposal. This revolutionary distributed smart grid is a virtual network supported by the physical infrastructure of the Grid Operator. Connection via the physical grid is therefore a necessary tool to share our energy. True independence does not mean freedom from connections but rather a system of further connections that benefit everyone involved. But is all of this really possible? Absolutely, in Europe since 2018, with the RED II, the Renewable Energy Directive 2018/2001/EU.

Today, the adjective “Smart” is associated with more and more concepts and devices: mobile phones, watches, TVs. Objects are now capable of understanding, processing information and adapting to new situations. But this also applies to whole ecosystems: smart homes, electricity grids and cities. And we can also talk about smart people, consumers and citizens. Now is the time to join the smart revolution, a virtuous circle that combines technological innovation and informed use of resources, starting with energy itself. A good place to begin applying this energy intelligence in our daily lives is without doubt the home.   What is a smart home? A smart home is one in which we have active control over the various items and appliances via the Internet of Things (IoT). This technology means that any object can become smart, via the presence of a microchip enabling connection to the Internet. This allows the user to interact remotely with his or her home and personalise it as desired, creating an environment that is perfectly aligned with the individual’s habits. This smart approach is no longer simply a matter of convenience, but also an opportunity: it is important to be aware of our energy consumption and the type of source from which it originates, and to understand our carbon footprint. Transferring this awareness to your domestic life will allow you to play a role in the future, a future that has already arrived in the form of energy communities. Let’s start from the basics: how to create a smart home.   Fundamental elements Internet An Internet connection is the first fundamental element in the creation of a smart home. This is considered a feature of daily life and is taken for granted, but it represents a huge modern technological revolution. This connection makes it possible to create a virtual network between smart objects, unlike the first examples of domotics which used a physical, structural network to connect them. The Internet has led to the advent of non-invasive automation systems with lower costs which are constantly updated. Gateway The second fundamental step is selection of a gateway, the beating heart of your smart system. The gateway is the router that allows connection and communication with multiple devices remotely. This is one of the key functions of the Regalgrid® gateway, the SNOCU (Smart NOde Control Unit). One of its main features is the capability to connect devices that communicate via different protocols and link them up to the Regalgrid® cloud using a patented, proprietary architecture. In the past, it was essential to check that the accessories chosen were compatible with the gateway. Now, our SNOCU unit means that all you need to do is ensure that devices can connect to the Regalgrid® cloud, and therefore communicate with one another. Applications What types of devices can be connected to your SNOCU? Firstly, your Regalgrid® smart node monitors, controls and optimises the performance of your photovoltaic system and storage units. But the SNOCU can also be employed to coordinate and control operation of devices in all areas of your smart home. Safety and security One very important sphere is domestic security. Traditionally we think of CCTV systems with movement sensors that transmit real-time images to your mobile phone, such as Xiaomi Smart Home. But there are also systems that use sensors to control certain safety risks such as gas leaks, or ensure continuity of energy supply. A smart system can monitor energy consumption that is close to exceeding contractual limits and automatically switch off a device, sending a notification via the app and preventing disconnection of power. Lighting Smart lighting is currently a very popular sector due the accessible prices of basic smart-lighting kits. Ikea Home Smart, for example, allows you to programme activation, intensity, and colour of lights remotely. Likewise, Phillips Hue is capable of creating an entire ecosystem with voice-control functionality. Whichever system you choose, your lighting may be monitored and controlled remotely, optimising usage. Temperature Next is temperature regulation in the different areas of the home. If you fit a smart thermostat, you can use your smartphone to switch on the heating, air-conditioning or boiler and set the times when they should be on, allowing you to optimise consumption. One well-known example is the Google Nest Thermostat, which gained attention as purchase of the patent back in 2014 marked Google’s entrance into the domotics sector. This thermostat is also capable of learning how best to adapt to your domestic habits using machine learning. Home appliances Created smart or converted? This is the common dilemma for home appliances. Replacing an old appliance with a smart version is certainly one option, but we recommend you only do this if it has genuinely reached the end of its useful life. It is always important to consider the impact of disposal of electrical and electronic equipment in terms of our carbon footprint and weigh this against the energy savings of a new appliance. If you make an informed decision to purchase a home appliance with IoT functionality, in addition to remote monitoring and control, you will also benefit from the advantages associated with machine learning. Consider the LG ThinQ washing machine, unveiled at the CES 2020 event in Las Vegas, which uses a system of weight and volume sensors to measure load, identify materials and select the correct washing cycle. Alternatively, you can add smart functionality to appliances that you already own, connecting them to the power source via a smart plug: these feature Wi-Fi connectivity and allow you to monitor device consumption and control it remotely using your smartphone. Voice control Finally, we have to mention voice-control systems such as Google Home and Amazon Echo, the two most well-known virtual assistants, closely followed by Xiaomi and Apple. Voice control is quick and intuitive, and this is why it is increasingly used for the command-response side of smart-home systems. Alexa, like all other virtual assistants that you can connect to your smart home, can give you information such as the weather forecast, set a timer or an alarm, play music, turn off the lights and much, much more. Smart homes are thus becoming the smartphones of the near future: you won’t be able to imagine your life without them. However, making the most of domotics for the convenience it offers is only the start. Creating a single eco-system including your photovoltaic system and storage unit allows you to finally get a picture of your energy profile, actively managing your consumption and exploiting the full potential of your generation plant. This is the only way to participate in the smart energy revolution and generate value for your energy community.

Photovoltaic gets along with the future of architecture: the latest technological innovations allow PV panels to be integrated in the building itself, and if the integration is planned before the construction you may have a real green building. They are called Building-integrated Photovoltaics (BiPV), a remarkable solution to start your energy generation in an efficient way, also respecting all landscape restrictions.   What is a building-integrated panel? Let’s start with a definition: a building-integrated panel is a panel used to replace – entirely or partially – some building materials. Most commonly, integration involves the roof: the plant is not mounted above the roof shingles or tiles, but it replaces those elements. The plant is mounted on the roof insulation, starting with an airlock, made of an aluminium corrugated sheet, where supports for PV modules hooks are fixed. Building-integrated PV panels don’t affect the building aesthetics, since their thickness is no bigger than the rest of the roof, preserving the properties of both the panels and the roof. When the panel integration is planned since the design of the building, panels can even replace some structural elements of the building, not only its surface: in the majority of cases the roof itself, sometime the walls.   Total integration on the roof Sometimes panels replace the whole covering of the building and they work as a proper roof, by means of rigid panels without frame or transparent or semi-transparent glasses or flexible laminate, mostly used on curved roofs. These solutions protect against an excessive solar irradiation but they let the daylight in, while accumulating energy. Most panels are made of mono or polycrystalline silicon, whilst for curved roofs the third-generation thin film is used, since it can generate energy through diffusion and not only through irradiation. Solar panels integrated into tiles or shingles are another innovative solution for roofs, since they do not get in contrast with specific landscape restrictions.   Façades with integrated solar panels When a building is designed to have PV integrated façades, solar panels become a “material” to replace bricks and glasses. Panels create the so-called curtain wall, letting the light shining in while absorbing energy, thanks to transparent or semi-transparent modules made of monocrystalline silicon or amorphous silicon. This approach is commonly chosen for commercial multi-floor buildings with a south-facing façade.   “Shadow” PV plants The latest technologies allow to plan different solutions in order to create relaxation areas under platform roofs, terraces, canopies or greenhouses, having a high energy efficiency. Commonly in these cases matt modules are mounted at a fixed tilt (more or less 30°). With the new trends in the photovoltaic fields also other smaller architectural elements may be eco-friendly, such as windows, curtains and shutters. Modern architecture has space and possibilities to integrate PV design elements in the buildings of the future: aesthetics, but most importantly high functionality.