The pattern “exploiting co-benefits” makes use of the power of complementary goods (also known as indirect network effects). Multi-vector energy communities combine various technologies into one system. For community members, through the combination of their existing infrastructure with new technologies and services, co-benefits emerge from expanding the usage area. The co-benefits can also result in a co-amortization of investments. The same effect can result from bundling offers that sell two interlinked products in combination. Prominent examples are PV + batteries, or PV + EV.

Implementation reference

• Planning & investing in energy coop (Green Energy Cooperative)
• Additional revenues for prosumers from multiple usage of the device (Tiko, Sonnen community)
• EON solar cloud with extension to EVs (EON Solar cloud)

Research reference

• Kubli & Ulli-Beer (2016): Co-benefits between PV and storage
• Hoarau & Perez (2018): Co-benefits between EV and PV
• Stephan et al (2016) & Kubli, Loock and Wüstenhagen (2018) & Kubli and Canzi (2021): Additional income from flexibility services

This pattern belongs to the core area: Network Effects