Self-Consumption Percentage

A behind-the-meter / prosumer KPI for PV and CHP. Distinct from renewable share (mix of total energy) and curtailment (unused potential).

Self-consumption % = site-used generation ÷ site generation × 100.

Tip: Keep “On-Site Consumed (MWh)” and “On-Site Generated (MWh)” on the same basis (period, units, and population) before calculating Self-Consumption Percentage.

Cluster: Energy hub · Professional efficiency · Manufacturing hub · Percentage guide

Self-consumption percentage is the share of on-site generation used on site (not exported).

Enter on-site consumed MWh and on-site generated MWh for the same site and period.

Generation consumed on site
Total on-site generation

Self-Consumption

Understanding Self-Consumption Percentage

How we calculate. Self-consumption % = site-used generation ÷ site generation × 100. The form uses the same arithmetic as the worked examples on this page. See our methodology and accuracy policy.

Real-world scenario: A typical Self-Consumption Percentage case uses on-site consumed (mwh) 420 and on-site generated (mwh) 600. Enter the same figures below to reproduce the worked path.

What is Self-Consumption Percentage?

A behind-the-meter / prosumer KPI for PV and CHP. Distinct from renewable share (mix of total energy) and curtailment (unused potential).

  • Same meter boundary
  • Consumed = generation used on site
  • Generated = gross or AC per policy—label it

The Formula

Self-Consumption Percentage
Self-consumption % = (On-site consumed MWh ÷ On-site generated MWh) × 100

Worked Example

Scenario: On-site consumed 420 MWh; on-site generated 600 MWh.
Step 1: 420 ÷ 600 = 0.7
Step 2: × 100 = 70%
Answer: Self-consumption is 70%.

Common Use Cases

  • Solar C&I reviews: export vs self-use
  • Battery pairing: raise self-consumption
  • Tariff analysis: on-site use share

Pro Tips

  • Separate self-sufficiency (load covered)
  • Freeze AC vs DC generation basis
  • Don’t confuse with renewable share %

Limitations: Self-Consumption Percentage results are educational energy and utilities planning aids—not engineering, grid-operations, or investment advice. Confirm definitions with your ISO/RTO, plant, and regulatory reporting standards.

FAQ

Same as renewable share?

No. Renewable share is renewable÷total mix. Self-consumption is how much of site generation was used on site.

What if generated MWh is 0?

Self-consumption is undefined—enter positive on-site generation.

Authoritative References

For power system and plant performance concepts, consult:

  • U.S. EIA — energy statistics and explainers
  • NERC — reliability standards context
  • IEA — international energy analysis