Defined term
Solar self-consumption
Solar self-consumption is photovoltaic electricity used by loads behind the relevant customer meter instead of being exported to the grid.
Also known as onsite solar consumption
economics · Concept code GS-CONCEPT-068 · Last verified August 20, 2026
Evidence through 2021-02-01 · 0 sources have no source-event date
Content modified 2026-08-20
Definition and boundaries
Definition
Solar self-consumption is photovoltaic electricity used by loads behind the relevant customer meter instead of being exported to the grid.
Definition claim verification: Verified August 20, 2026
In plain language
Use Solar self-consumption only after the cash-flow perspective, timing, contract structure, included costs, and omitted items are made explicit.
What it is not
It is not total photovoltaic generation, energy independence, or the same percentage as bill savings.
Decision context
Why it matters
Time-resolution, meter boundary, storage charging, load data, curtailment, and tariff treatment determine the measured or modeled amount and its value.
Decision-context claim verification: Verified August 20, 2026
Information boundary
This page provides general educational context, not a site design, production guarantee, utility determination, contract interpretation, legal opinion, tax conclusion, or individualized financial advice. Verify property, equipment, utility, jurisdiction, program, and agreement details before acting.
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Learning navigation
Primary topic: Performance
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Primary sources
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory: A Comprehensive Review of Distributed Photovoltaic Compensation Mechanisms
Revision NREL/TP-7A40-78058 · Source event as of February 1, 2021 · Ontology accessed August 7, 2026 · Ontology verified August 7, 2026