How to sell your solar energy surplus and make the most of your solar installation

Solar energy has become an increasingly popular option for environmentally conscious and financially savvy consumers. Not only does it help reduce electricity bills, but it also offers the opportunity to generate additional income by selling the surplus energy you produce.

But how does this surplus selling process really work? Join us on this journey to discover everything you need to know about monetizing your solar energy surplus.

What is surplus feed-in in a photovoltaic installation?

To begin with, it’s important to understand how solar energy is generated. Solar panels installed on your property capture sunlight and convert it into electricity, which is then used to power your household appliances and electrical systems. However, at certain times—especially on sunny days or when energy consumption is low—you are likely to produce more electricity than you need.

Instead of letting this surplus energy go to waste, you can feed it back into the power grid. This process is known as surplus feed-in and is a smart way to make the most of your solar system.

Surplus feed-in is essential for energy self-consumption and for advancing toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. It allows you to maximize solar energy usage even when you are not consuming all the electricity you generate. This extra energy can benefit other consumers and contribute to the stability and efficiency of the overall power system. By reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources, we are taking an important step toward a greener and more sustainable future for everyone.

Can I sell my solar energy surplus?

Yes, you can sell your solar energy surplus! However, there are important details you need to be aware of. Surplus feed-in acts as an additional incentive for those who have solar systems in their homes or businesses. When you feed your surplus into the grid, you are adding clean energy to the system.

In some locations, each kWh of electricity you return to the grid is credited on your electricity bill or paid at a predetermined rate. In other cases, more complex schemes or feed-in tariff programs may apply, paying you a specific rate per kWh.

So how do you sell your surplus energy? First, you must ensure that your solar installation is properly legalized and complies with the established requirements.

The regulation governing this process is detailed in Royal Decree 960/2020, which regulates the economic regime for renewable energy installations and establishes the framework for surplus compensation.

First, you will need a system to measure and record the energy produced and consumed, known as a bidirectional meter. In addition, having a renewable energy installation certificate and a supply contract with your electricity provider are essential steps.

Measurement and monitoring

A crucial aspect of managing your energy surplus is the accurate measurement and monitoring of the energy generated and consumed. This is where the bidirectional meter plays a key role, allowing you to distinguish between the energy you use and the energy you produce and sell. Accurate records are essential to correctly calculate the compensation you will receive for your surplus.

Certification and contract

Installation certification is essential to verify that your photovoltaic system meets all technical and legal requirements. Likewise, formalizing a supply contract with your electricity provider is key to participating in the surplus selling market. Choosing a provider with clear and favorable compensation conditions ensures a transparent and reliable relationship.

For full details on these requirements and the registration process, we recommend contacting your electricity provider or consulting the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. Being informed is the first step to getting the most out of your solar energy investment.

Frequently asked questions about selling solar energy surplus

1. Is selling solar energy surplus profitable? Selling surplus solar energy may not make you rich overnight, but it can be a profitable strategy to reduce long-term energy costs. The additional income helps recover the investment faster while supporting a more sustainable energy model.
2. What if I don’t generate surplus? If your production matches or is lower than your consumption, you won’t have surplus to sell. However, you will still benefit from reduced grid consumption.
3. Can I sell surplus without being registered? No, legal registration under the compensation scheme is mandatory to sell surplus energy.
4. How does current regulation affect surplus sales? Current Spanish regulations favor surplus sales, although it’s important to stay informed about possible legislative changes.
5. Are there limits on how much energy I can sell? Limits depend on your system capacity, utility company conditions, and local regulations.
6. How can I monitor generated surplus? Most modern systems include apps or platforms that allow real-time monitoring of production, consumption, and surplus.

Selling your solar energy surplus is a smart way to maximize the return on your renewable energy investment while contributing to a more sustainable future.