Renewable Energy · Intermediate level · 3 min read ·
What is geographic dispersion in a solar project?
Geographic dispersion is the rule that sets how far apart the members of a collective self-generator can be. In the National Interconnected System, all of them must be on the same Local Distribution System and in the same commercialization market. In non-interconnected zones there is no limit.
In 30 seconds
- It is not a distance in kilometers: it means belonging to the same local grid and market.
- In the SIN, all members must share the SDL and the commercialization market.
- UPME Resolution 501 of 2024 sets it, and also caps collective capacity below 5 MW.
Full guide
What is an Energy Community in Colombia
The framework created by Law 2294 of 2023: how a group of neighbors and businesses share a solar farm, without installing anything or changing electricity company.
Read the guideWhy should you care?
Before setting up a shared system or an energy community, the first question is who can join. Geographic dispersion answers it.
- You know whether your home or business can join a shared system.
- You understand why two properties close on the map might not qualify together.
- You avoid planning a community that wouldn't pass the approval process.
Think of it as a water network
Two houses can share a water tank if they are connected to the same network of pipes. Distance on the map matters less than whether the water reaches both through the same network. Electricity works the same way: what counts is being on the same local grid.
How does geographic dispersion work?
- 1
Identify each member's grid
Each consumption point is connected to a Local Distribution System (SDL), run by the area's network operator.
- 2
Identify the market
Each user belongs to a commercialization market.
- 3
Compare
In the SIN, all members must share the same SDL and the same commercialization market.
- 4
Check capacity
The collective system's capacity must stay below 5 MW.
An example with numbers
A community wants to share a solar system across four consumption points in the SIN.
| House in neighborhood A · same SDL and market | Qualifies |
|---|---|
| Shop in neighborhood B · same SDL and market | Qualifies |
| School in the next town · same SDL and market | Qualifies |
| Warehouse in another region · different SDL | Doesn't qualify |
The school in the next town can join because it shares grid and market; the warehouse can't, even with the same owner.
Where do you see it at Circular Urban?
Geographic dispersion is one of the requirements for structuring a collective self-generator or an energy community. Circular Urban's solar energy section brings together the regulations that define it.
- The site's solar energy section, in the regulations summary: UPME Resolution 501 of 2024.
What changes in your finances once you get it
You know whether you qualify
Before committing to a community, you check that your consumption point can join.
You avoid wasted paperwork
A badly planned system won't pass review; knowing the rule saves you that road.
You read projects with judgment
You understand why members' locations are part of the design, not a detail.
Common mistakes
- Myth
There is a kilometer limit between members.
- In reality
In the SIN the rule is sharing the same SDL and commercialization market, not a fixed distance.
- Myth
Any property with the same owner can join.
- In reality
The grid counts, not the owner: a property on another SDL doesn't qualify for the same system.
- Myth
The rule is the same across the country.
- In reality
In non-interconnected zones, dispersion is not limited.
Test yourself
Two shops with the same owner are in cities served by different network operators. Can they join the same collective self-generator in the SIN?
Keep learning
Helps to know first
This content is educational. Every participation carries risks inherent to the project, including the possibility of partial or total loss, and results are subject to each project's actual performance.