Surplus compensation vs virtual battery
Surplus compensation is the regulated mechanism: exported energy is discounted from consumption on the same monthly bill, and the balance can never go below zero.
A virtual battery is a commercial product from the retailer. Exports become a euro balance that carries over and can sometimes be applied to other supply points. Iberdrola, Endesa, Naturgy, Repsol, Holaluz and Octopus all offer versions with different fees.
| Aspect | Simple compensation | Virtual battery |
|---|---|---|
| Balance carries over | No | Yes |
| Other supply points | No | Sometimes |
| Monthly fee | No | Often |
Check the export price, the fixed fee, balance expiry and what happens if you switch retailer, then compare against a physical battery. See virtual battery, solar batteries, self-consumption and solar kits, or send us your bill via contact.
Virtual battery or surplus credit in Málaga and Marbella
Most Costa del Sol homes export between 25% and 45% of their production. In Málaga city apartments the surplus is small and simple surplus compensation usually wins; in Marbella villas that stand empty part of the year, a virtual battery keeps the value of those months instead of losing it each billing cycle.
We model both options with your real CUPS data before you sign anything. Read more on the virtual battery page or ask for a free comparison.
Source: MiTechoSolar.com, Premium solar energy on the Costa del Sol
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