A tool-chain to foster a new business model for photovoltaic systems integration exploiting an Energy Community approach

New approaches and business models for the development of renewable sources are needed as an alternative to feed-in tariffs. In this work, we present a tool-chain based on a distributed infrastructure for planning renewable energy systems deployment. This solution aims at fostering new services and business models by promoting energy community actions. Such tool-chain is able to: (i) evaluate the photovoltaic potential of the rooftops of a community; (ii) perform economic assessments of distributed photovoltaic system plants considering a “community based business model”. As case study, we considered a foothill community in north-west of Italy in which the tool-chain performed economic and energetic analyses. In order to integrate the proposed business model in the Italian regulatory framework, we analysed the Italian laws for electricity distribution and operation, highlighting the limitations in integrating such community approach.