The Renewables Blog

How to save on energy bills and produce clean energy: the Photovoltaic Cloud

Sep 17, 2024 | Insights, Token

he transition to renewable energy sources has seen numerous innovations and developments in recent years. Prominent among these is a new market proposal that could revolutionise the energy sector: the Photovoltaic Cloud. This concept, first developed by a Tuscan company, represents an innovative approach using the cloud computing model applied to solar energy.

But what exactly is Cloud PV, how much does it cost and how does it work?
Let's find out together.

What is Cloud Photovoltaics?

The Cloud Photovoltaics is an innovative energy solution that allows you to harness solar energy without having to physically install solar panels on your roof. It is therefore a system that allows you to virtually purchase and manage the production of solar energy. This solution is particularly useful for people living in apartment blocks or in houses where the installation of a photovoltaic system is not feasible. Furthermore, it allows people to participate in the production and sale of renewable energy, receiving the associated economic and environmental benefits, but without the complexities of installation and maintenance.

The idea behind this model is similar to that of cloud services in the IT sector. Instead of owning and operating a solar system directly, consumers can rent a portion of a large industrial plant, owned by the company.

How much does the Photovoltaic Cloud cost?

The cost of the Photovoltaic Cloud is structured to be more competitive than a conventional photovoltaic system. Users purchase an energy package for a period of 30 years. The price for this package varies depending on the amount of energy required, but is generally in line with the installation costs of an equivalent photovoltaic system.

For example, a package that guarantees an annual output of 4000 kWh has an initial cost of 3.706 €, much lower than that of an equivalent solar installation. This price includes the full cost for 30 years, during which the user is entitled to receive the revenue from the sale of the energy produced by his share of the photovoltaic cloud.

Benefits for Consumers

Cloud PV offers numerous benefits to consumers:

    1. they do not have to install solar panels on their roof, which eliminates the problems associated with their maintenance and cleaning
    2. the energy package is transferable, which means that if a user changes their home, they can take their “energy footprint” with them or resell it to others
    3. bills are significantly reduced up to 100% and beyond if you want
    4. there is no waiting time or authorisation required to install a solar system, which makes the system accessible to more people.
    5. users become part of an energy community, which contributes to the construction of new photovoltaic plants and the financing of solar energy.

Comparison with Other Solutions

Cloud PV is not a completely unique concept: there are, for instance, companies that offer similar solutions, albeit with slightly different models. Some propose a system in which users purchase a kind of virtual battery, which allows energy produced by a domestic photovoltaic system or a network of systems to be stored for future use.

The main difference is that Cloud Photovoltaics requires no home installation and relies on a network of large-scale installations, whereas programmes such as the one just illustrated may require a physical installation, albeit with the aid of a virtual battery to optimise energy use.

Then there is another solution: the tokenisation of photovoltaics. Heiwit is an innovative token that makes investing in renewable energy easy and affordable. Each Heiwit represents 100 watts of power from a renewable energy plant, as a photovoltaic system, without the need to install anything at home. By purchasing a Heiwit token, you become a co-owner of a portion of a renewable energy plant and are entitled to receive the profits from the sale of the energy produced.

Each token costs EUR 109, with an average life of 30 years. With Heiwit, the energy produced is sold directly and the profits help offset personal energy costs, without the need for physical storage. Each token avoids approximately 33.11 tonnes of CO2 during its lifetime. Moreover, as energy prices rise, the value of your Heiwit increases, offering economic benefits over time.

Use the energy from your tokens to recharge electric cars, reducing pollution. Heiwit is a transparent and secure investment, linked to real and monitored installations.

A Unique and 100% Italian Innovation

The Photovoltaic Cloud represents a unique and 100% Italian innovation. This solution could have a significant impact on the solar energy market, especially in Italy, where regulations and installation conditions for solar systems can be particularly restrictive.

The idea of being able to use solar energy without having to physically install a system could pave the way for a wider dissemination of renewable energy, offering a viable solution even for those living in complex housing contexts. Furthermore, the business model based on a long-term energy package could influence the way we think about energy, making participation in the energy transition easier and more accessible.

With a lower initial cost than a conventional photovoltaic system and numerous consumer benefits, this model offers a practical and flexible solution for those wishing to contribute to the transition to renewable energy sources without the complexities of installing and maintaining a physical solar system.

Do you want to be part of the change? Learn more about our Heiwit token.