The proliferation of renewable sources of energy has meant that many buildings are now able in a position to consume some (if not all) of the energy they themselves produce. They can therefore be termed “prosumer” buildings. Energy production could be by PV cells, solar panels, wind turbine or CHP. 

From an energy perspective, this arrangement makes a great deal of sense, as distribution losses are eliminated. This approach is commercially attractive to building owners and occupants, by reducing their payments to energy utilities.