For many years, selling surplus energy was a key incentive for installing solar panels. Today, however, with changes to the regulatory framework and especially with Net Billing, the question has changed:
Are we better off consuming the energy we produce or feeding it into the grid?
Are we better off consuming the energy we produce or feeding it into the grid?
How we got here
In the past, solar panels often worked as “small investments.” The energy we produced was fed into the grid and compensated at relatively predictable rates. Today, that model has changed.
With Net Billing:
- surplus energy is sold at market prices,
- these prices fluctuate significantly,
- while the electricity we buy from the grid remains expensive, especially during peak hours.
This clearly shifts where the financial benefit lies.
What self-consumption means in practice
Self-consumption means that we:
- produce energy with our solar system,
- use it immediately at home or in our business,
- and reduce the need to buy electricity from the grid.
Every kWh that we use ourselves:
- saves us supply charges,
- regulated charges,
- and future price increases.
Simply put, self-consumption has stable, predictable value.
How much does selling energy yield today?
Selling surplus energy:
- depends on the wholesale price,
- is affected by overproduction during midday hours,
- and does not provide guaranteed income.
In most cases:
- the selling price is lower than the price of buying electricity,
- so selling serves more as a supplementary benefit, rather than a primary goal.
Where does the real benefit lie today?
Today, the real financial benefit clearly lies in:
- maximizing self-consumption,
- adapting the system to our needs,
- and reducing our reliance on the grid.
This is achieved through:
- proper system sizing (avoiding systems that are too large),
- shifting energy use to different times of the day,
- and, where needed, using a battery.
The role of the battery
A battery:
- does not increase production,
- but increases the proportion of energy we consume ourselves.
In cases where:
- energy is used mainly in the evening,
- there is a heat pump or an electric vehicle,
- or we are seeking energy independence,
the battery turns surplus energy from a “low-value sale” into a personal benefit.
So, what is ultimately better for us?
For most homes and small businesses in Greece:
- selling energy is no longer the primary goal,
- self-consumption is the key to real savings,
- and selling plays a supporting role, not an investment one.
The right question is not “how many kW should we sell”, but rather “how much energy can we use ourselves”.
That is why, before any installation, an assessment is needed based on our actual needs and not on generic figures.
