How to make money from renewable energy sources. How to Start a Solar Energy Business Business Ideas in the Electricity Industry

High level complexity of project implementation

As noted above, the experts unanimously consider thermal energy highly attractive industry for investment. However, they note that transactions in this area are the most complexly structured and require high professionalism in their implementation. In this situation, a successful investor company cannot be limited only to financing a transaction, but implements it at every stage and actually provides a turnkey project. According to experts, there are very few such companies on the market, which is caused by a lack of experience and high risks associated with the complex structure of the transaction.

Private company strategy: global or local?

Assessing the activities of private business in the thermal power industry, the experts drew attention to the problem of the strategy of private investors going into the municipal energy sector. On the example of a number of large business projects in the housing and communal services sector (in particular, the project "Russian Communal Systems"), the "generalist" approach was critically assessed, when a large investor, entering the industry, seeks to cover all types of housing and communal services and products (electronic and heat supply, water supply and sanitation, gas supply, etc.) with the maximum possible coverage of territories. Certain setbacks that the RKS project has experienced do not support this approach. It is much more effective, according to this point of view, to apply a "point" approach. This will allow us to concentrate resources, calculate risks more accurately, identify problem areas, and conduct the necessary audits.

· Immediately declare a huge program, we are everywhere, here and there. This is politics. This is illiteracy. It means nothing. But the one who takes one sector in one city or region, and tries to analyze this matter, consider risks, including technological, financial, market.

At the same time, experts draw attention to examples successful business projects when an integrated approach to the energy and utilities business, covering different areas - electricity, heat, gas, water - brings an effect. This, in particular, is evidenced by the experience of the company "Integrated Energy Systems" (IES-Holding), which develops business in the field of energy and housing and communal services, implementing projects in almost all of these segments. According to most experts, there is no contradiction in the presence of two opposite approaches to the implementation of business projects in the industry and two opposite examples. In the opinion of the participants of the study, this reveals the most important factor in the implementation of a project in the industry, on which its success or failure later depends - a high-quality pre-project audit, a comprehensive assessment of risks, required costs, investments, resources and company capabilities.

As interest in alternative energy sources grows, so does their share of global electricity consumption. And what is the main criterion, so to speak, the main incentive for a person to develop renewable energy, except for the desire to make the world greener? Probably, as in any other activity, this is an opportunity to earn money. We will try to look at alternative energy sources from the point of view of doing business.

General principle of making a profit

By alternative sources we will understand to a greater extent solar energy and wind energy, as the most popular today. It is clear that there are many types of renewable sources, and each has its own characteristics. No matter what kind of energy is used, the principle is always the same. The state undertakes to buy energy generated from a renewable source at a tariff using increasing coefficients. This is today the main incentive in any country in the world for the development of alternative energy sources. Otherwise, companies supplying energy from renewable sources simply would not survive the competition. The multiplier coefficients vary from country to country and also diversify by type of energy and over time. For example, in Belarus for solar power plants, the coefficient is 3 for 10 years. Those. the state will buy solar energy for 10 years at three times the price of the current tariff.

That. the company builds a power plant using renewable energy sources, connects it to the public grid and sells energy. The second option for involvement in alternative energy is the sale of equipment (solar panels, wind turbines, inverters, etc.), as well as the installation and installation of independent systems.

Documentation required for the construction of a solar power plant

All the necessary documentation can be conditionally divided into several points:

Project documentation. It includes a large amount of work: choosing a site for the project, calculating the power of the station, selecting equipment, etc. Even before the project, you will have to contact the energy supply organization to obtain those. conditions, as well as local authorities authority to allocate land.
Confirmation certificate, which confirms that the e-mail the station is indeed a renewable energy source.
Business plan. Everything is the same as in any field of activity. The payback period of the project, profitability, number of personnel, etc. are determined.
Agreement with energy supply organization. After going through the torment of hell, in the final part, an agreement is concluded with an energy supply organization, where the parties already agree on how they will interact, and the tariff at which the energy system will sell electricity is determined.

We do not yet cover the construction, examination and acceptance into operation, but only singled out in in general terms main points. Those. the package of documents develops very decent, and registration of all this takes a lot of time.

Theoretically, physical a person can also safely install solar panels not only for their own needs, but also for sale to the network. In the case of using solar panels for yourself, the task is greatly simplified; in another option, you will have to collect all the same documents as for legal entities. persons.

According to the Tax Code (Article 96) jur. faces and individual entrepreneurs are exempt from VAT on the import of renewable energy sources.

What is the payback period for solar and wind power plants?

The payback period of a solar power plant depends on many factors: power, location, tariff, operating costs, etc. As a result, it can vary from several years to 12-13 years. The same is true for wind turbines.

Solar power plant operation

The service life of the panels is 25-30 years. Concerning service personnel, then its quantity is minimal, two electricians and one person of the engineering staff are enough. The solar power plant does not require any special work. In the order of the current operation, it is necessary to wipe the dust, mow the grass, remove the snow, and carry out temperature control of the panels. If it is necessary to make repairs, then it can be done in the evening or at night, when the power plant does not generate electricity. As a rule, panels are easy to install, so replacing them is not a big deal. Wind farms are more difficult to repair. To do this, it is often necessary to involve special equipment and work in calm weather.

Possible risks

Great dependence on weather conditions. The risk of not reaching the planned capacity.
Possibility of error at the design stage. Today there are not many specialists with real experience design and construction of renewable stations. In the case of renewable sources, it is important correct definition sites and further operation.
Change of legislation in the direction of reducing the multiplying coefficients. This factor is a risk for those who are still planning the construction of renewable stations. For those who sell equipment for such systems, this probability also does not bode well.
As for the sale of alternative sources, European producers are forced to compete with cheaper Chinese counterparts. As a result, some of them had to leave the market. In the countries of Belarus and other CIS countries, this market is practically not developed. Individuals are actually not interested in buying the same solar panels. Below are a few companies from Belarus involved in the sale of alternative energy sources.

Where can I buy solar panels in Belarus and other renewable energy sources

Taykun (Mogilev) - construction of power plants using renewable energy sources, as well as the sale of wind turbines, solar modules.
EcoSnabGroup (Minsk) - supply solar photocells, collectors, energy saving systems, gas saving systems.
Glavenergo (Minsk) - offer the construction of solar and wind power plants in installments.
EcoEnergy (Minsk). – is engaged in the sale of solar panels, collectors and other elements of an autonomous network. Recently, this direction has been closed and the remains from the warehouse are being sold
WESWEN (Gomel and Mogilev) - sale of solar collectors, panels, controllers, wind turbines, inverters, heat pumps
SunnyTech (Borisov) - construction of solar power plants on the territory of the Republic of Belarus.

Discussion: 4 comments left.

I have developed many mobile ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES - these are: -
- autonomous hydroelectric power plants using the energy of water hammer;
– wind generators whose rotors are disk-type airships;
But!!!
If the USSR were alive, I would not have problems with their manufacture and their serial production, as well as self-take-off sails for towing boats on water; hydrojet propellers of the ejector type and many other progressive ones from the total number developed by me so far and = 9902 intellectual developments and many dozens of patents (USSR; RUSSIA; LITHUANIA)!

Windmills and solar are not alternative sources in the classical definition. The very first thermal power plants, then hydro. And this is like a Peltier element on a kerosene lamp. I even saw a rarity live, the “accordion” of a Soviet-made thermocouple, an “alternative source”. The only alternative source that works stably and is comparable in reliability to thermal power plants is nuclear power plants and its clones (possible). So far there is only one chatter on the torii, about thermonuclear to Mr. Velikhov.
I do not know the real climatic conditions in Belarus, the number of sunny days, the gradient of wind loads on windmills, etc. But I know for my house in Vladivostok. The usual five-story "Khrushchev" for 60 apartments. Single-phase supply for each apartment, calculated 10 kW/h maximum consumption. The rules are outdated, but somehow still enough. In reality, less peaks in the morning and evening. Without weather factor (heaters). To simplify, we take 500 kW / h and estimate the number of solar panels and wind turbines. Backup batteries, inverters and distribution and switching equipment. Collected, handed over. It’s not even a typhoon that comes flying, but a cyclone with a wind of 20-40 meters / sec. Monthly rate of snow and rain. And even at the same time. What will happen to the equipment is better not to think. The panels will still thaw if. And the “turntables” will fly far away and on their own. Let us have it once or twice a year, but on Sakhalin it is an ordinary phenomenon, almost every month. In Belarus, the climate is in any case not so “crazy”, but in any case, all this dubious pleasure will fly out for a penny. It is difficult, unreliable, expensive to maintain, depends on climatic conditions, etc., etc. Dignity - it does not smoke, coal-gas is not needed. The people themselves will buy it and burn fires in the yard.
The entire infrastructure of human civilization is tied to electric motors. They consume two-thirds of the electricity generated worldwide.

In the era of the dominance of hydrocarbons, when humanity cannot live even a minute without any energy, gas, oil and coal will always have a “good” final price for the consumer, the tariffs for which are constantly growing, since demand for them is stable, and the price is controlled natural state monopoly. Regardless of the exchange value of these energy carriers. Therefore, a stable demand for alternative energy sources has formed in this niche. Which can be satisfied to your advantage.

Known and affordable alternative (renewable) energy sources have been known to us for a long time - these are wind, water and solar energy. Since ancient times, the energy of wind and water has helped mankind - they turned mills, inflated bellows, made large ships move under sail. And if the energy of these environments is used only locally, where it is found in the required quantities, then the sun is available to us almost everywhere. And new inexpensive, but highly efficient technologies for collecting and processing solar radiation into electricity or heat make solar energy available to the general population.

Currently, the transition to the use of solar panels has become a popular service, both for individuals and large organizations. In many countries where the sun shines all year round, solar energy has firmly entered the life of consumers. There are entire cities with full-fledged energy based on sunlight. Also, in many countries, this procedure is stimulated by the state. In Spain, since 2007, all new houses are equipped with solar panels for water heating. This approach provides up to 70% of the need for hot water supply. And new non-residential buildings in without fail must have solar equipment to generate electricity from solar radiation. In Germany, all active users of solar panels receive subsidies from the state.

In Russia, there is a definition of renewable energy sources (RES) in Art. 3 35-FZ "On the electric power industry". But, in fact, the private use of renewable energy is not regulated in any way. Although the state is concerned about this problem. So for April 2017, the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation is preparing a proposal to support private microgeneration of energy. If the proposal is accepted, then the use of renewable energy in private households will receive state support and the necessary subsidies, for example, in the form of preferential taxation and the legal registration of such installations for alternative energy.

The popularity of solar microgeneration is due not only to the availability of solar radiation, but also to other undeniable advantages:

Solar energy is the cleanest and safest energy,
Modern equipment available for domestic use, easily mounted in existing engineering networks,
The equipment has a simple device, but at the same time almost fully automated, in comparison with equipment operating on other energy sources,
The service life of such equipment has one of the highest life cycles and does not require regular expensive maintenance,
The cost of the initial kit lies in the region of 28-35 thousand rubles. Which is comparable to the cost of the usual large household appliances,
The equipment is easily placed in any architectural solution of the building without "damage" to the technical properties of the building. There are also original solutions that allow you to equip various equipment with a solar station - from buses to small boats, for example, yachts, boats, motor ships.

Also, a key advantage that can be singled out for Russia is the ability of modern equipment to work quite effectively with sunlight even in the middle lane. That is, it is the most important characteristic, which makes the equipment useful to most residents of Russia, and not just those living in southern regions countries.

Types of solar energy

Solar energy itself “hints” to us about the two main types that we can get - heat and electricity. In view of what kind of energy you are going to receive from the Sun, the equipment used also differs.

Attention! A moment of boredom. Various sources of business ideas and startups describe solutions, terms and concepts that can mislead you. So, for example, one site suggests using a solar collector to generate electricity. And the resulting electricity is used to heat water. And they call it a solar installation for hot water supply. From the point of view of functionality, it is described extremely effective method use of solar energy, especially if you collect radiation and generate electricity using a collector. And below in the article we will explain why.

How to get electricity from solar energy

Used to generate electricity from sunlight classic solar panels(electric solar installations) on photocells that convert solar energy into direct current. Since solar activity is unstable over the time of day, and direct current is unsuitable for most public power networks, a solar mini-power plant is equipped with a battery pack ( charge controller + rechargeable batteries) and a DC-to-AC converter ( inverter). During solar activity, electricity is produced by solar panels in excess. And this extra energy is stored in batteries. And in the evening and at night, when the peak of consumption occurs, the accumulated charge from the batteries is consumed by consumers.

The applicability of such installations is extensive and suitable even for very temperate climates, characterized by low solar activity (up to 100 W per square meter). The scope is also wide. Electric solar installations can be used to supply electricity to cottages, cottages, private farms and other facilities where electricity is required.

In places where, due to the weak activity of the Sun, solar plants are able to replace only part of the main electric current, combined stations are used, which can be fed from external power networks. But even this replacement allows you to significantly save on electricity. And if electricity consumption at the facility is minimal, then even weak solar energy can completely replace all electricity supplies from power plants. And make the power supply facility independent and more economical.

Solar battery generates electricity

There are many different offers on the market in the form of ready-made kits or individual elements for self-assembly of a solar system. The cost of such kits varies depending on the region, power, conditions of use and other things. If you plan to implement this business idea and install solar power plants, then by finding wholesale suppliers, you will also receive all the necessary theoretical calculation, from the methodology for calculating and selecting equipment, to the features of its operation in your region.

How to get thermal energy from the sun

In addition to electricity, useful heat can be obtained from solar radiation. This requires equipment other than solar panels. As you remember, above in the text we mentioned solar collectors. So, a device for collecting solar thermal energy is called - solar collector. Unlike solar batteries, the solar collector does not generate electricity, but heats the heat transfer material (water, air, oil, antifreeze, etc.) due to visible sunlight and near infrared radiation. Thermal solar systems are used directly for the direct production of hot water (hot water preparation) or space heating (heating of the heating medium in the heating system). That is, as you understand, it is very difficult to get clean electricity from the collector, and even more so to spend it on heating water. But there is nothing easier than getting hot water in the collector. However, the authors of other business ideas do not understand this and try to tell you about what they themselves do not know. Beware of fakes. . Without registration and SMS.

Solar collectors are of two types − flat and vacuum. The principle of operation in both cases is the same - inside the collector, the coolant is heated for its subsequent delivery to the consumer.

Flat plate solar collector- in a simplified way, it is an absorber (accumulator) of solar energy, which it transfers to the coolant (heating of the coolant). The advantages of such a solar plant are low cost and ease of operation (it can operate without maintenance for up to 10 years), extremely high efficiency in a warm climate. Disadvantages - does not work even at moderately low temperatures; for good efficiency, extremely large areas are required for placing panels.

Vacuum solar collector- a kind of vacuum thermos, it is vacuum that allows you to accumulate, store and transfer heat in the collector. The efficiency of this principle of operation reaches up to 95%.

Advantages of a thermal solar vacuum type:

It is effective even at negative temperatures (manufacturers guarantee performance up to -30 degrees Celsius).
It heats the coolant to higher temperatures than flat-plate collectors - therefore it is suitable for central Russia with a cold climate.
Ease, convenience and simplicity in installation of solar installation.

Disadvantages of vacuum solar collectors- it cannot independently be cleared of snow, hoarfrost and ice. Which greatly affects the efficiency of the installation. The collector requires constant monitoring and has a higher equipment cost than flat-plate collectors.

Solar collector heats water or coolant

A wide variety of both types of collectors are currently on the market. There are also combined heat-electric solar installations, they are equipped with photocells for generating electricity. The resulting electricity is small and is usually spent on the operation of the kit.

As in the case of solar panels, representatives of manufacturing companies and wholesalers are ready to provide training on the calculation, installation and maintenance of solar thermal equipment. It is somewhat more complex and in places differs in detail from solar power equipment.

The essence of opening a business selling and installing solar panels

The most important and the first action in the implementation of this business idea is the search for partners. You must find wholesale suppliers or manufacturers of solar panels, collectors and additional equipment. This is what your entire business depends on. Whatever theory you have, without a material base, the theory is empty.

After choosing partners, you need to undergo training in the calculation and installation of the presented installations. For a more optimal business, you can choose several manufacturers (for example, China and Europe) with similar installation principles, but different cost / quality of equipment, for example, cheap Chinese and expensive European equipment. So you meet the demand of different consumers. And you will be able to serve not only simple requests, but also quite complex objects.

After studying the nuances and theory, you can begin to actively promote your services among the population. Your clients are farm owners, organizers of private farms, the food industry, owners of cottages and houses. That is, wherever you need electricity, heat and hot water. Your assistants in the promotion of services are the sun, environmental friendliness and independence from the cost of classical energy carriers.

A few numbers for a solar energy business

The initial wholesale cost of a solar plant starts from 20 thousand rubles (electricity) and 80 thousand rubles ( thermal energy). The cost of the same installation for the consumer adds up to 20 ... 50% of the wholesale cost. Direct installation of installations costs the consumer 5 ... 10% of the cost of equipment.

The average estimated number of orders for your region is up to 5 pieces per month. Your approximate profit with 5 orders per month and a minimum configuration of installations is 55 thousand rubles per order. For the calculation, we take a cheap installation for electricity worth 20 thousand rubles, the cost of this solar installation for the end customer is 30 thousand (+ 50%). Installation of equipment +5%. It turns out 5 * 30,000 + 5% = 157,500 rubles. Costs - 5 * 20 = 100,000 rubles. Total, your net profit per month 57 500 rubles. In the calculation, we did not take into account the delivery of equipment for the customer, its subsequent maintenance and modernization.

Going forward, your order volume will increase as word of mouth helps you find bigger orders and repeat customers.

Also, an interesting advantage this business is that you do not need to allocate initial funds for the purchase of equipment. Installation is carried out with a traditional tool that is found in any garage. A solar power plant is usually assembled for the end user. That is, the prepayment for the first order will be spent on the purchase of solar equipment. Thus, your investment is minimal.

The main disadvantage of this business is that the population is extremely distrustful of this kind of energy and therefore you will have to tell the client all the information from scratch - from economic efficiency, to the technical reliability of installations. However, at correct advertising and approach, your event will pay off in 6-8 months.

Additionally, you can open your own online store selling solar equipment to individuals.

Renewable energy sources are becoming more and more popular all over the world. They have a clear superiority over non-renewable energy, since this material energy costs nothing and does not harm the environment.

Renewable energy sources are obtained from wind, sun or water, and give a certain independence from the supply of conventional energy materials - coal, gas, oil.

More and more companies see a fairly profitable niche in the creation of renewable, environmentally friendly energy sources.

In the future, acquiring target customers and supplying them with energy will be very profitable. A new wind farm business idea can be promising and cost effective in the long run, but it has the disadvantage of obtaining a number of permits and the high initial costs of setting up a wind farm.

How to start?

Before starting the official procedure for applying for a wind farm permit, you need to purchase or lease land on which the wind turbines will eventually be built. They should be located away from residential buildings in order to protect the population in the event of an accident.

Wind turbines will work better at altitudes where the wind force is higher than in low-lying areas, and it is also easier to get "green" electricity in open space.

Renewable energy sources - perspective view business

Required Documentation

You cannot freely build a wind farm on your own plot. You should always think about the safety of the surrounding neighbors. An entrepreneur who wants to set up a wind farm must first obtain permission to set it up.

To do this, you need to contact the municipal service, which is in charge of the land plot where the wind farm will be built, and obtain a building permit. In addition to the permit, the municipality issues, at the request of the zonal investor, design estimates with the justification of the technical capacity. Based on these documents, a project is drawn up for connecting power to the power plant.

The geologist must also test the soil and assess whether it is suitable for creating a sound foundation for wind turbines. After building the foundation building inspector must supervise the construction of windmills and power plant buildings. Later, the entrepreneur needs to submit a request for permission to use wind energy to the Energy Regulatory Authority.

In addition, the owner of the wind farm will have to apply to the regional environmental protection authority for a decision, which will indicate what impact on environment will build a wind farm. You also need to apply for and obtain permission to connect to the electricity grid.

The next step is to conclude an agreement with a company for the sale of electricity from renewable sources. Procedure for getting all required permits and licenses can take several years, so an entrepreneur who wants to open his own wind farm must be patient and be aware that this is a long-term project.

Creation of a wind farm - work for the future

Estimated costs for the construction of a wind farm

As mentioned above, anyone who wants to build a wind power plant has to reckon with a long waiting period to start their business, mainly through the acquisition of the necessary documentation, and have a large start-up capital for the purposes of such a project. As a rule, without subsidies or credit funds, it will not be easy to master this non-standard business idea.

According to estimates, the average cost of building a 1 MW wind farm on land is 60-70 million rubles. The most expensive in the project are turbines, costing up to 900 thousand euros per 1 MW. More expensive turbines are reliable and do not require expensive maintenance, which makes running a wind farm much cheaper.

The initial costs will include the purchase of land on which the windmills will be built, the construction of the foundation and the entire infrastructure of the wind farm. In addition, it will be necessary to prepare all the necessary examinations and carry out administrative approvals.

The cost of settling all the formalities for the construction of a wind farm will be several hundred thousand rubles.

After the construction of the wind farm is completed, you will also need to pay for connecting it to the power grid. The greater the distance to the wind farm, the higher the cash costs.

According to experts, the profitability of a wind farm is achieved after 10 years from the start of its use, although this largely depends on electricity prices.

Electric batteries

If you want to install renewable energy photovoltaic cells on your own property, for example on the roof of a wooden house, you must have enough space where the solar panels will be installed. They can be placed on the roof of a building or directly on the ground. For element settings solar battery, which will accumulate a current of up to 10 kW, you will need a south-facing roof with an area of at least 70 square meters, and for installing elements up to 40 kW, a south-facing roof with an area of up to 300 square meters.

If the roof is too small, photovoltaic panels can be installed on the ground. A 10 kW installation will require about 200 square meters of space, and a 40 kW installation will require a plot of about 1000 square meters, preferably sloping to the south and not shaded.

The installation of solar battery elements capable of storing 40 kW of energy will require an investment of about 5,000,000 rubles. Electric batteries of this size can produce more than 38,000 kWh of electricity annually. Assuming an estimated price of 3 rubles per 1 kW, the use of a renewable energy source will bring electricity in the amount of about 100,000 rubles.

The cost of building an electric battery generating 10 kW is about 1,300,000 rubles.

The cost of electricity includes insurance - about 3,000 rubles a year, as well as the necessary Maintenance and measurements of electrical installations, entailing expenses in the amount of about 10,000 rubles per year.

HACKED BY SudoX - HACK A NICE DAY.

What is one of the promising paths to development and well-being? For a long time energy business turned into a profitable commercial activity. If you look at this term in a broad sense, it turns out that this is a commercial (entrepreneurial) type of activity carried out by specialists in the fuel and energy complex. This includes knowledge of the use of energy carriers. If we talk about the end result of the business under study, the end results should be various types of energy products and services. Thus, the energy business can be a group of goods suitable for sale by the forces of the respective markets. Its products are considered to be electrical and thermal forms of energy produced at power plants and possible heat sources.

There are several types of accepted models developed in this market. This means that the energy business differs in the forms of organization. A number of business functions are able to develop within the framework of independent energy companies: generating, grid, service, marketing. With the resources of energy complexes, great importance will be given to subsidiaries, the coordination of which is carried out by the corporate center. With vertical integration of integrated organizations, specialized business functions are assigned to performers with different levels of economic responsibility.

Meanwhile, one of the attractive areas of the energy business may be the supply of consumers with specialized equipment, fittings, electrical equipment, installation tools for the construction of power lines. For example, you can sell linear fittings to customers (vibration dampeners, tension clamps, thermal chucks), current and voltage transformers, cable boxes, which are indispensable in the construction of power plants.

The area under study has features of another plan. The form of ownership is mainly private, with a focus on energy assets. It is important to remember that it can act as a subject in a market economy of this direction. It so happened that energy business These are interests at the government level. Therefore, in a successful scenario, even in the presence of decent competition, a stable profit is quite possible.

If you decide to organize an energy business, we recommend that you first of all pay attention to the risks:

Financial (breach of financial obligations, consumer non-payments)
Investment (loss of profit)
Technical (equipment failures, low reliability of power supply)
Price (irregular price fluctuations during the day)
Regulatory (unfavorable regulation of energy by the authorities)

Only by making a thorough risk analysis, you will know how significant they are, how they can be neutralized. And also you will be able to enter this market more safely.