What is surplus compensation?

Most people who decide to install solar panels in their homes or businesses do so to lower their electricity bill. But what happens when the solar installation produces more energy than is needed? This is where surplus compensation comes into play.

What is surplus compensation?

Surpluses are the energy generated by a photovoltaic installation that is not consumed and is discharged to the electrical grid. Surplus compensation is a system that allows homeowners to inject this energy into the grid and receive financial compensation through a monthly discount on the electricity bill.

This system is possible thanks to the RD 244/2019, in which the compensation of surpluses is legalized.

How does surplus compensation work?

In most cases, it works through a meter that records the amount of energy being consumed from the grid and the amount being sent. When the panels produce extra energy, it is recorded as a credit that allows compensation.

Requirements to qualify for surplus compensation

• There is a solar self-consumption installation.
• The power of the installation cannot be more than 100 kW.
• There is a binding contract between the owner and the marketer.
• The landlord will not be able to benefit financially: the result of the invoice will never be negative.
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Benefits of Surplus Compensation

• Saving money: a good discount on your electricity bill.
• Encourages the adoption of solar energy: by compensating for extra energy, investment in solar energy is encouraged.
• Simple management: the marketer automatically compensates the invoice.
• Stability of the power grid: Demand is reduced during peak times of the day.

Surplus Compensation Challenges

The amount of solar energy produced varies depending on the time of day and the weather. At times when more energy is needed than is produced, homeowners will have to pay for the energy they consume from the grid.