In the context of energy communities, a prosumer is an individual or entity that both produces and consumes energy. The term “prosumer” combines the words “producer” and “consumer” to describe someone who actively participates in energy generation as well as consumption.
Prosumers generate energy through renewable sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, or other forms of distributed generation. They can use this self-generated energy to power their own homes, businesses, or other facilities. Any excess energy produced by the prosumer can be fed back into the grid for others to use, typically through a process called net metering or feed-in tariffs.
By becoming prosumers, individuals or communities can reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources, decrease their carbon footprint, and potentially even earn revenue by selling excess energy back to the grid. This concept aligns with the growing interest in decentralized and sustainable energy systems, where individuals actively participate in the energy transition and play a role in shaping their own energy future.