What is the difference between prosumer and producer of electricity

The market for green energy production is constantly evolving, and with it, how property owners view their involvement in the actual production of electricity.

The share of active prosumers worldwide increases every year, with:

• increase in costs for public services
• the decrease in prices of photovoltaic panel systems
• the need to reduce carbon footprint and fossil fuel consumption

You have already learned from our previous articles what it means to be a prosumer, how to become one and what documents are needed to become a prosumer. Read on about what differentiates a prosumer from an energy producer and adapt your plans to suit your needs.

Differences between prosumer and producer of electricity

According to the National Energy Strategy, the prosumer is an active consumer and, at the same time, an energy producer who can improve his consumption times by feeding the surplus energy deriving from his own production into the grid.

The ANRE defines the prosumer, in Law 220/2008, art.2, as: «the final customer, who owns electricity production systems, including cogeneration, whose specific activity is not the production of electricity, who consumes and who can store and sell the electricity from renewable sources, produced in his building».

In other words, the prosumer contributes to the integration of intermittent production from renewable sources (SRE) into the SEN (National Energy System), while reducing its costs.

If you intend to produce energy from renewable sources, you can purchase and install, with the help of specialists in the sector, a system of photovoltaic panels. It is important to know that the energy supply for self-consumption and the injection of the surplus into the grid will take place through the same connection.

The difference between a prosumer and a producer of electricity is given by:

• Production/consumption flow: the prosumer consumes and produces (therefore feeding into the system), the producer only produces (mainly from fossil fuels) and delivers/sells to the final consumer
• Production capacity: the prosumer can own and use equipment with an installed power of less than 400 kW at the place of consumption; the manufacturer has an installed power exceeding 400 kW

To promote access to the green energy market, the Council of Europe has issued a Directive (EC 2016b) which establishes mechanisms to guarantee the right of individual consumers (natural or legal persons) and local communities to become prosumers and to be remunerated for the energy fed into the grid.

At the same time, consumers have the right to ask the supplier for smart meters and Dynamic Price Contracts, which can allow them to adapt their consumption to changes in the price of electricity.

Join the players in the green energy market now and choose to produce at least as much as you consume. Become a prosumer!

If you have further questions about this article or if you would like to find out more information about the products displayed on zonetecsolar.ro, we invite you to contact us by phone at 0374.477.207 or by email [email protected].

Conclusion

The green energy market continues to evolve at a rapid pace, transforming not only the technologies used to generate electricity but also the role that property owners play within the energy ecosystem. In the past, most homeowners and building owners were simply consumers of electricity, relying entirely on utility providers to meet their energy needs. Today, advancements in renewable energy technologies have made it possible for individuals and businesses to become active participants in electricity generation, fundamentally changing the relationship between consumers and the energy market.

This shift has been driven by the increasing accessibility of renewable energy solutions such as solar panels, energy storage systems, and smart energy management technologies. As installation costs decline and efficiency improves, more property owners are recognizing the benefits of producing their own electricity. Beyond reducing utility bills, self-generation offers greater energy independence, protection against fluctuating energy prices, and the opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The evolving market has also expanded the range of opportunities available to property owners. Many are no longer focused solely on meeting their own energy demands. Instead, they are exploring ways to sell surplus electricity back to the grid, participate in community energy programs, or integrate battery storage systems that maximize the value of renewable energy production. These developments have transformed buildings from passive energy consumers into active energy assets capable of supporting broader energy networks.

At the same time, governments and energy providers are adapting to this changing landscape by introducing policies, incentives, and regulatory frameworks that encourage renewable energy adoption. Net metering programs, feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, and sustainability initiatives have helped accelerate investment in distributed energy generation. As a result, property owners are increasingly viewing renewable energy systems not only as an environmental choice but also as a long-term financial investment that can enhance property value and reduce operating costs.

Looking ahead, the role of property owners in electricity production is expected to become even more significant. Continued advancements in renewable technologies, energy storage, and smart grid infrastructure will provide greater flexibility and control over energy generation and consumption. As the green energy market matures, property owners will likely play a central role in creating a more decentralized, resilient, and sustainable energy system.

Ultimately, the evolution of the renewable energy sector is empowering individuals and businesses to take a more active role in shaping the future of energy. By embracing clean energy technologies and participating directly in electricity generation, property owners can contribute to a more sustainable world while benefiting from greater energy security, economic savings, and long-term environmental value.