Self-consumption

Self-consumption is the amount of on-site solar PV electricity that is used by the property rather than exported to the distribution network. It can be shown in kWh or as a percentage of PV generation. In solar-only operation it is the generation used while it is produced; with a battery, it can also include solar electricity first stored in the battery and later discharged into household loads. It is different from self-sufficiency, export, metered export, self-use mode and a savings forecast. A self-consumption figure depends on solar generation, household demand, when those loads run, occupancy, shading, array orientation and any storage or energy-management controls, so it does not guarantee lower bills, zero import, zero export, SEG payments, DNO approval, backup power or installation quality.