Solar energy without grid injection: Why is Zero Grid attracting businesses and rural producers?

Unlike conventional projects, this strategy operates with mechanisms capable of monitoring consumption and regulating the production of solar panels.

The difficulty of connecting to the electrical grid and the limitations on exporting surplus energy are leading companies and rural properties to consider new configurations for their solar generation projects.

Among the alternatives gaining ground is the Zero Grid model, which allows for the production of electricity for self-consumption without injecting the surplus into the distribution grid. The solution utilizes control systems that track the facility's demand and adjust photovoltaic generation in real time.

This movement is taking place in a market that continues to receive substantial investments, albeit at a slower pace than last year.

According to a survey by TTS Energia, based on data from the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL), self-generated solar power in the corporate and rural segments generated approximately 6.5 billion reais between January and October 2026.

During the period, 66,100 new systems were installed, adding 1.4 GW of capacity. According to the company, the demand for non-exporting projects is linked to the need to align investments with connection conditions and the consumption profile of each unit.

Industries, commercial establishments, retail chains, distribution centers, and rural producers are among the consumers seeking to reduce electricity costs and increase energy autonomy, but they must assess the limitations of the available infrastructure.

Generation control

Unlike conventional projects that can feed surplus energy into the grid, Zero Grid operates with mechanisms capable of monitoring consumption and regulating the production of solar panels.

When generation exceeds instantaneous demand, the system reduces the power produced, preventing the export of electricity to the utility company.

This configuration can enable installations in locations where there are restrictions on grid connection or difficulties in injecting energy into the grid.

It also requires that the project sizing takes into account the load behavior throughout the day, peak consumption hours, and the photovoltaic generation capacity.

The company also identifies interest in solutions that combine solar generation, intelligent control, and, in certain applications, battery storage. The goal is to better utilize the electricity produced and adapt its use to the operational needs.

Planning gains importance

For Jacques Hulshof, CEO of TTS Energia, the restrictions on exporting surplus energy have influenced consumer decisions, leading them to pay closer attention to technical and economic feasibility before investing.

According to the executive, engineering must consider not only the power output of the panels but also the facility's demand and grid access conditions. The company points out that battery integration is another option for certain projects.

Expansion slows

Although interest in self-consumption configurations is prominent, figures from a survey based on ANEEL data show a slowdown in the expansion of corporate and rural solar self-generation.

Between January and October 2025, 113,000 new connections were registered, adding 2.6 GW of capacity and estimated investments of 12 billion reais.

Compared to the same period last year, the number of connections fell by 41.5%, and the added capacity dropped by 46.2%. The financial volume decreased by 45.8%, from 12 billion reais to the 6.5 billion reais mentioned earlier.

However, over the past decade, the commercial, industrial, and rural segments reached approximately 816,000 self-generation connections, with 21.1 GW installed, benefiting 3.3 million consumer units and involving around 98 billion reais in investments.

The data indicate that, beyond the growth rate, implementation conditions are influencing project profiles. In this context, solutions such as Zero Grid and integration with energy storage emerge as alternatives for consumers looking to expand self-consumption amid connection and energy export limitations.

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Antonio Carlos Sil is a journalist graduated from FMU/FIAM. He worked as a reporter for Brasil Energia, and provided services to Agência Estado, Exame, and Canal Energia. He worked in the communications departments of CPFL Energia, CESP, and AES Tietê. He has covered the electric sector since 2000. He has experience covering events such as energy auctions, conventions, lectures, trade fairs, congresses, and seminars.

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