Generation, self-consumption and export are different quantities
Autoconsumo refers to using generation associated with the consumer. Electricity used directly at the property reduces imports at that moment. Surplus may be exported or managed according to the installation design and authorised arrangement.
Compare those quantities separately on the monitoring system and bill. Annual solar generation matching annual demand does not mean the home avoids grid imports every hour. A battery can shift some energy but has capacity and conversion constraints.
Choose the applicable arrangement before designing around credits
Spain's self-consumption framework distinguishes arrangements with and without surplus and includes conditions for simplified compensation. Collective self-consumption introduces additional allocation and agreement requirements. The applicable route depends on the installation, not just the presence of panels.
Ask the responsible professional to identify the current legal basis and which conditions the project meets. This guide does not establish eligibility for a particular customer or provide a complete legal interpretation. Consult the consolidated official rules and regional process.
Simplified compensation is not one-for-one net metering
Imported and exported energy can have different monetary values. Under simplified compensation, the energy-billing limit matters; an export credit should not be assumed to erase every fixed charge or create an unlimited cash payment.
Read the actual supplier contract for the export rate, valuation period, exclusions and fees. Commercial credit or so-called virtual-battery products may have additional terms distinct from statutory simplified compensation. Compare the full bill and cancellation conditions before switching.
Who does what in the paperwork?
The installer should explain the technical documents and registration steps in scope. The network distributor and retail supplier have different roles. Ask who coordinates any required self-consumption identifier, registration, metering and contract updates.
Municipal permission, regional installation registration and supplier billing activation are not interchangeable milestones. Keep evidence of submissions and completion rather than relying on an assurance that all paperwork is handled. A monitoring app showing exports does not prove that billing compensation is active.
Check the first bills after activation
Compare the billing dates with the confirmed activation date. Review imported kWh, exported kWh where shown, rates and the applied compensation limit. Ask the supplier to explain discrepancies or missing credits with a written response.
Check subsequent seasons as well. More summer exports can have limited value if the credit cap is reached, while winter demand may still create imports. Use the actual terms to evaluate a battery or load-scheduling change rather than assuming a universal export price.
Questions for a solar proposal
LIT is the primary specialist for the installation and registration discussion. Ask it to identify which items are included and which require action by you, your community or the supplier.
- Which self-consumption arrangement is proposed, and why?
- Who obtains permissions and supplies final registration evidence?
- Which export terms were used in the savings forecast?
- How would lower export rates or a different consumption schedule change value?
- What evidence confirms compensation has started on the bill?
Documents and verification starting points
Check the current document, date and applicability to your property or contract. These links do not establish individual eligibility, credentials or approval. This page is educational guidance, not a verified product test or legal opinion.