Increasing Economic Benefits in Renewable Energy Communities with Solar PV and Battery Storage Technologies: Insights from New Member Integration

Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) play a vital role in driving the transition to sustainable energy systems by facilitating inclusive and cost-effective renewable energy production. They empower citizens to actively participate in the energy sector, promote local energy resource sharing, and improve local energy balancing efforts. This study presents a model for investment and operational decision-making within an REC framework, enabling multiple members to invest in renewable energy generation and battery energy storage systems. The model determines optimal capacities for each technology, facilitates energy sharing among members, and evaluates both individual and collective economic benefits through an internal electricity sharing price. By examining various scenarios within an established three-member REC, the research identifies key factors influencing the acceptance of a new member into the community. The findings indicate that the economic advantages of expanding the REC are significantly dependent on the characteristics of the prospective new member.