Portugal Allows Solar Energy Sharing

Why this is here: Portugal’s legislation now explicitly recognizes the right to self-consumption and valuing surplus energy, as outlined in Article 187 of the country’s electrical system legal framework.

In Portugal, citizens with solar panels can now sell excess energy to their neighbors. Recent legislation, specifically Decree-Law 15/2022 and subsequent amendments, enables individuals to become prosumers—both consumers and producers of electricity. People can sell surplus energy back to commercializers, aggregators, or directly inject it into the electrical grid with a registered UPAC and bidirectional meter.

The law also fosters collective self-consumption, allowing groups like condominiums or neighborhoods to share locally produced solar power. Communities of Renewable Energy (CER) can form as cooperatives or associations to produce, consume, and distribute renewable energy. These changes align with European Union directives aiming to democratize renewable energy access.

While these regulations open new possibilities, navigating the technical requirements from DGEG and ERSE remains necessary for producers. The legal framework is still evolving, requiring continued attention to the consolidated legislation available through official government channels. Portugal moves toward a more decentralized energy model.