⚡ Remote self-consumption for SMEs: how to use energy generated at another unit or solar farm to cut your costs

Did you know your business can consume solar energy without installing a single panel, even without panels, a roof, land or your own infrastructure?

This is possible thanks to the remote self-consumption model, set out in ANEEL legislation and consolidated by Law 14,300/2022. This model is part of Distributed Generation (DG), and it is transforming the way small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access clean energy, cut operating costs and align with ESG practices — without needing to invest in or operate anything.

In this article, we explain in detail how remote self-consumption works, why it is ideal for SMEs, and how to sign up without complications.

What is remote self-consumption?

Remote self-consumption is a form of DG in which energy generated at a remote solar plant (away from the consumption address) is fed into the distributor's grid and subsequently converted into credits that are used to offset the consumer's electricity bill.

This energy can be produced by a specialist company — such as NewSun — and passed on to the SME through a subscription agreement.

Simple example:

• NewSun's solar plant generates 500 kWh.
  
  

• Your business consumes 500 kWh.
  
  

• The 500 kWh fed into the grid generate credits that directly reduce your bill.

Why does this model make sense for SMEs?

1. SMEs don't need physical infrastructure

Many businesses operate out of rented spaces, warehouses or shopping centre units, with no space to install panels.

2. Savings without investment

There is no need for building work, permits or upfront capital. The business simply signs up for the service and starts saving.

3. Lower fixed costs

Electricity is one of the main operating costs. Cutting 10% to 20% off the bill frees up cash to invest in the core business.

4. ESG image gains

Consuming renewable energy — even remotely — builds a positive reputation, brand value and trust with customers and investors.

Legislation supporting the model

Remote self-consumption is provided for under:

• ANEEL Normative Resolution 687/2015
  
  

• Federal Law 14,300/2022 – Legal Framework for Distributed Generation
  
  

• ANEEL Resolution 1,059/2023 – Update on credit offsetting
  
  

These rules guarantee that a company can:

• Generate energy at unit A
  
  

• Consume it (or offset it against the bill) at unit B
  
  

• Provided both are within the same concession area of the distributor

Difference between remote self-consumption and shared generation

Practical example for SMEs

Imagine a chain of three clothing shops:

• Shop 1: head office in Campinas

• Shop 2: branch in Americana

• Shop 3: distribution centre in Limeira
  

All are within CPFL's concession area. NewSun has a solar farm in Piracicaba, also under CPFL.

With remote self-consumption:

• NewSun feeds energy into the CPFL grid.
  

• The credits generated are allocated to the three shops.
  

• Each one's electricity bill drops by between 10% and 20%.

All without local installation, building work or permits.

Process steps

1. Consumption assessment

The company provides consumption data, such as kWh consumed over recent months, for simulation.

2. Simulation and proposal

NewSun analyses the profile and proposes the ideal plan, based on consumption history.

3. Subscription agreement

The contract is signed digitally. No building work or investment is required.

4. Approval by the distributor

The distributor authorises the offsetting and links the credits to the consuming unit.

5. Activation of credits

Discounts start appearing on the electricity bill within up to 2 cycles (30–60 days).

Benefits in detail

Immediate savings

• No need for tied-up capital.

• Discounts proportional to consumption and contracted generation.

• Savings of R$500 to R$5,000/month, depending on size.
  
  

Operational efficiency

• No technical distractions.

• No worries about plant performance.

• Monitoring via dashboard.

ESG and strategic positioning

• Compliance with sustainable investment criteria.

• Increased brand value with partners and investors.

• Ability to issue environmental impact reports.

Use cases by sector

Food sector

Restaurants, bakeries and dark kitchens operate out of rented premises with high energy consumption — ideal for subscription-based DG through remote self-consumption.

Technology and coworking sector

Coworking spaces and data centres depend on stable, predictable consumption. DG reduces risk and improves spending predictability.

Light industry

Warehouses and small production lines can significantly cut fixed costs, even without available roof space.

Franchises and retail chains

Provides energy standardisation, making consolidated sustainability reporting easier.

Debunking common doubts

"Do I need to install anything?"

No. All the infrastructure sits at the supplier company's solar farm.

"Can I cancel?"

Yes. In contracts such as NewSun's, there is contractual flexibility and no abusive penalties.

"What if I change address?"

It's possible to transfer the credits to another unit, provided it's with the same distributor.

"How do I know I'm saving?"

You can track monthly savings reports in kWh, R$ and avoided CO₂ emissions through the Energy Club portal.

Real environmental impact

Every 1,000 kWh of solar energy generated is equivalent to:

• 490 kg of CO₂ not emitted

• 71 trees planted

• 1 petrol car off the road for 1 month
  

For SMEs committed to the environment, this figure can be included in reports, websites, packaging and social media, as part of the ESG narrative.

Comparison between conventional energy and DG via remote self-consumption

Conclusion: energy independence with intelligence

The subscription-based remote self-consumption model is more than a technical solution — it is a business strategy. It allows companies of all sizes to access renewable energy with real cost reductions, without any operational obstacles.

Subscription-based DG turns energy into a competitive advantage.

And the best part: with zero risk, zero investment and immediate results.