Displaying Self-Consumption in the Platform

What is Self-Consumption?

Self-consumption refers to the portion of electricity generated by a photovoltaic system (PV system) that is used directly by on-site consumers instead of being fed into the public grid. Self-consumption increases the efficiency and profitability of the PV system, as transmission losses are avoided and dependency on external electricity providers is reduced.

Types of PV Systems in Terms of Self-Consumption

1. Full Feed-In with 0% Self-Consumption

2. Zero Feed-In with 100% Self-Consumption

3. Partial Feed-In with Combined Self-Consumption and Grid Feed-In

For partial feed-in systems, on-site consumers such as factories or households use the generated electricity directly. This maximizes economic benefit, as electricity consumption from the grid is reduced. Knowing the amount of directly consumed electricity is also important for operators to optimize system efficiency and increase the autarky level, which indicates the share of self-covered electricity demand.

Requirements for Calculating Self-Consumption

To accurately record and calculate self-consumption, the following requirements must be met:

• Meter at Grid Connection Point: The PV system must have a meter that records the energy fed into the grid (ExportedEnergy).

• Total Power of Inverters: All inverters must transmit their power at the plant level. The sum of these powers forms the basis for calculating self-consumption.

Calculating Self-Consumption

Self-consumption is calculated using the following formula:

Self-Consumption = SumEnergyWR - ExportedEnergy

Steps for Setup 

1. Check Total Power of Inverters at Plant Level

Ensure that an energy display exists at the plant level showing the total power of all inverters. The values should correspond to the actual energy generated by all inverters combined.

2. Provide Exported Energy at Plant Level

If an Amperecloud Log is installed at the plant:

• Identify the meter at the grid connection point.

• Check in the monitoring system whether the meter provides a measurement of exported energy.

• The recorded exported energy from the meter is then mapped to the plant level using the raw data option, for example under the category ExportierteEnergieLebenszeit.

  

• If an FTP logger is used at the plant: 

  • The exported energy of the meter can be added via “Assignment of Measured Values”.

  • First, check which source, data stream, measurement value, and divisor are used on the meter in the digital twin for exported energy.

Then, add the same configuration 1:1 at the plant level.

3. Activate Self-Consumption Formula at Plant Level

Once exported energy is available at the plant level, the formula for self-consumption can be activated. After about 30 minutes, the first self-consumption value will appear at the plant level.

Common Reasons Self-Consumption is Not Displayed

If self-consumption does not appear after configuration, the following issues may exist:

• No total inverter power at the plant level

• No recorded exported energy at the plant level

• Self-consumption formula at the plant level not activated

Need More Help?

If you encountered any difficulties or need further assistance, here are some steps you can take:

Contact Support:

• Email: Reach out to our support team by emailing us at support@amperecloud.com. Provide as much detail as possible about the issue you're facing.

• Fill out a form: Complete our online support form. Please include all relevant information about your request, and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

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