Solutions for Optimizing Shared PV Installations at Renewable Energy Communities Driven by Citizens

The rapid emergence of Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) across Europe highlights the potential of citizen-led initiatives to accelerate the transition toward decentralized and sustainable energy systems. However, their effective operation requires digital tools capable of providing real-time data on consumption and production— resources often limited to company-driven projects with proprietary platforms. This work presents the design and implementation of an open, modular framework that empowers communities to autonomously monitor and manage shared photovoltaic installations. The system integrates low-cost Shelly EM devices, configured through the MQTT protocol, with a Docker-based backend deployed on AWS and a flexible data model supporting both public and private resources. Core functionalities include real-time visualization, hierarchical user roles, and integration with national data sources such as Spain’s REData API. By lowering technical and administrative barriers, the platform strengthens citizen participation, enhances decision-making on energy allocation and surpluses, and offers a scalable digital infrastructure aligned with the original vision of community-driven renewable energy.