Surplus compensation allows customers with solar panels connected to the grid to lower their electricity bills. When your installation produces more electricity than you use, that extra energy is fed into the grid and you receive a financial credit on your electricity bill through your energy supplier.
This system is known as simplified surplus compensation, and it is designed for small-scale installations, both individual and shared, with a capacity of up to 100 kW.
How does it work?
Throughout the month, you use the energy generated by your solar panels. If you need more electricity than your panels produce, you draw from the grid as usual. But if you produce more than you consume, the excess is sent to the grid, and a discount is applied to your electricity bill—based on the value of the surplus energy.
Main requirements to benefit from simplified surplus compensation:
- The energy source must be renewable.
- The installation must not exceed 100 kW in capacity.
- You must have a single supply contract with a registered energy supplier.
- A surplus compensation agreement must be signed between the producer and the consumer.
- Only the unused energy is compensated. The bill can never result in a negative amount.
Want to share your installation?
You can benefit from collective self-consumption with surplus compensation. In addition to the above requirements, all participating users must sign a sharing agreement that defines how the energy is distributed. This agreement must be submitted to the distributor so your supplier can adjust your contract accordingly.
How much is paid for the energy fed into the grid?
The compensation rate depends on your energy contract:
- In the regulated market, you are compensated based on the energy price at the time your surplus is fed into the grid.
- In the free market, the price is agreed directly with your supplier.
In both cases, the compensation only applies to the energy component of the bill. It cannot be used to cover other charges such as taxes or network access fees, and the final amount can never be negative.
Important: At Energy Nordic, we support our clients throughout the activation of their solar self-consumption. However, in order to register your installation and apply the compensation, we must first receive all legally required documentation, including official installation certificates and any permits outlined in current regulations.
What’s the difference between surplus compensation and net metering?
Net metering is not permitted in Spain. Unlike simplified surplus compensation, net metering would allow a direct offset between energy consumed and energy produced. Under simplified compensation, the energy you consume and the surplus you produce are valued at different rates. This model is intended for residential and small-scale installations under 100 kW.
