Since 22 February, the first digital platform dedicated to those who want to install photovoltaic panels and become prosumers, as well as installers specializing in the assembly and installation of photovoltaic panels, has been operating. The energiaTa platform provides an environment for information, communication, education and connection through two interactive tools: the Prospectors’ Map and the Prospectors’ Forum.
The platform presents a real-time image of supply and demand for each county in the country and aims to capture the real-time dynamics and evolution of the industry.
“For over 7 years we have been investing in developing a community dedicated to prosumers. We have reached more than 20,000 stakeholders – individuals and companies, journalists, NGOs, decision-makers and companies, who are active on energiaTa.org”, said Claudiu Butacu, co-founder of energiaTa. The digital platform and the 2 tools, the Prosumers’ Map and the Prosumers’ Forum, come after several years in which energiaTa has presented figures and reactions, situations, opportunities and bottlenecks, developed tools aimed at future prosumers and installers, such as the Prosumers’ Guide. “The platform aims to mirror the dynamics of the industry, presenting the evolution, demand, supply and progress towards reaching the 150,000 prosumers milestone in the next year,” added Claudiu Butacu.
The platform is dedicated to installers as well as current and future prosumers (small producers of electricity from renewable sources with an installed capacity of less than 400 kW), and access is by creating a free account, through which users can use the two tools – the Prosumers Map and the Prosumers Forum.
The map of the prosumers shows the existing offer for the installation of photovoltaic panels in each county, displaying both the installers validated by the Environmental Fund Administration (AFM) that are aimed at beneficiaries of government funding programs, and installers that are not on the AFM list and are aimed at future prosumers that are financed from their own funds. Customers, anyone wishing to install photovoltaic panels and become a prosumer, can access the contact details provided by the installation companies and leave reviews after working with them.
The prosumers’ forum is aimed at both prosumers and installers and all those interested in the transition to renewable energy sources and offers the community a space for dialogue structured by categories of technical, legislative, process-related topics, case studies and other relevant information, moderated by the energiaTa team. In addition, beneficiaries will be able to request offers from installers via the platform.
The digital platform is free and can be accessed at https://energiata.org/.
energiaTa is a civic initiative launched 7 years ago by EFdeN, a non-governmental organization working in the areas of sustainability, renewable energy and climate change, awarded nationally and internationally with more than 70 prizes. EnergiaTa has mapped the problems of prosumers and produced the Prosumer’s Guide, a tool that provides the information needed to become a prosumer. The project has contributed to changing the legislation of prosumers in Romania through collaboration with other organizations and public institutions.