Solar at another property: what to check before virtual bill offsetting

The idea is simple; the agreement is essential

You may have a suitable roof on one property and the main electricity bill at another. A virtual arrangement is intended to link generation at one location with consumption elsewhere through a defined billing agreement. It does not mean the second building physically receives electricity directly from your panels.

Before comparing equipment, ask which current route would apply to the proposed project and which supplier would administer the credit. Obtain the answer for the actual accounts and connection points, not simply for the phrase “virtual solar”.

Check the date of the scheme

The EAC 2026 connection guide includes Category B for renewable self-consumption at a different connection point. It distinguishes network connection requirements from the energy-settlement method agreed with the supplier. Older virtual-billing material should not replace the current terms for your project.

Ask for written confirmation of the applicable 2026 framework, eligibility, power limits and contractual terms. This guide explains questions to resolve; it does not announce that a new remote project has connection approval.

Separate the two sites in the design

• Where will generation be installed, and who has the right to use that space?
• Which consumption account would receive the credit?
• What connection work, permits and metering does each site require?
• Who is responsible for applications and the supply agreement?

A land parcel may introduce access, mounting, cable-route and connection costs that a simple roof-package price does not contain. Ask for these to be itemised before judging the investment.

Value credits using the proposed contract

Request an example bill calculation showing the export valuation, any import charges that remain, the credit period and treatment of unused balance. Do not assume an exported kWh has the same monetary value as a kWh used directly by a home.

The €0.25 current-period offset and €0.10 carry scenario in the UNLIMITED household calculator must not be transferred automatically to a remote project. A virtual proposal needs its own verified inputs, connection costs and settlement model.

Compare an alternative at the same time

A smaller local array, storage, a shared-roof agreement or a different load schedule may address the original problem. Compare options against the same goal and budget. If true off-grid operation is the goal, that is another design question rather than a billing arrangement.

Start with our services team and provide both addresses, available roof or land information, the electricity accounts and annual consumption. Establish the applicable route first; only then should a panel quantity or return figure drive the choice.