19 Aug How surplus compensation works and how to get the most out of it

Did you know you can significantly reduce your electricity bill by taking advantage of solar energy you’re not currently using?
Thanks to surplus compensation, your solar installation can help you save more each month, without the need for batteries or major changes to your daily routine.

At Soma Genpower, we explain what it is, how it works, and how to optimize this system so that every ray of sunlight works to your advantage, even when you’re not at home.

What is surplus compensation?

Surplus offsetting is a system that allows you to transfer unused solar energy back into the electricity grid and receive a discount on your bill in return.

This isn’t a direct income, but it is an effective way to reduce your monthly bill. This excess energy is deducted from your electricity consumption when your facility isn’t producing electricity, such as at night or on cloudy days.

How surplus compensation works

1. 1. 1. Your solar installation generates energy for self-consumption.
      2. When you produce more than you consume, the surplus is automatically poured into the grid.
      3. The distributor records how much energy you consume and how much you discharge.
      4. The marketing company deducts the value of these surpluses from the variable portion of your bill.

It is important to keep in mind that:

• Only the consumption term is offset, not other fixed items such as contracted power, meter rental, or taxes.
• You will never be credited if you generate more than you consume. If the value of the surplus exceeds your monthly consumption, the surplus is lost.
• The compensation price varies depending on the supplier and the tariff type, and is usually between €0.05 and €0.10/kWh.

What is needed to access surplus compensation?

• A grid-connected, legalized, and correctly sized self-consumption facility.
• That the power of the installation is equal to or less than 100 kW.
• That the solar installation is equal to or less than the contracted power.
• A contract with a retailer that offers surplus compensation. Not all do, and not all offer the same conditions.
• A bidirectional meter. In most cases, it’s installed by the distributor at no additional cost.
• Be eligible for the simplified compensation mechanism, intended for domestic users and small installations.

At Soma Genpower, we take care of the entire process and advise you on the most cost-effective option based on your energy consumption.

How to get the most out of surplus compensation

Adapt your consumption habits to daylight hours.
Take advantage of the central hours of the day to use appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, air conditioning units, or electric water heaters. You can schedule them or use home automation control systems to optimize your consumption.

Keep your system in good condition.
Regular cleaning of the panels and minor technical checks ensure that your system is operating at its peak performance.

Consider adding a battery.
If you spend most of the day away from home, you probably generate a lot of surplus energy. Adding a storage system allows you to store that energy and use it at night, further increasing your self-consumption and savings.

Review your contracts and rates.
Compensation terms vary between companies. Some apply time limits or unfavorable conditions. It’s important to be informed and have expert advice to choose the rate that best suits your usage profile.

At Soma Genpower, we analyze your case and help you choose the most cost-effective option on the market.

In summary

Surplus offsetting is a simple, legal, and efficient way to reduce your electricity bill. Although it doesn’t involve direct revenue, it can reduce the amount of energy used on your bill to practically zero.

To get the most out of it, it’s essential to have a well-designed installation, maintain consumption habits tailored to solar production, and regularly review your contract terms.

At Soma Genpower, we help you achieve this. We design customized photovoltaic solutions optimized for your actual consumption, and we support you before, during, and after installation so you can take full advantage of your energy’s potential.

Request your free, no-obligation assessment . Our team will show you how to save more with solar energy… even when you’re not home.

We also invite you to visit our online store for generators and other components.