Is excess solar wasted?

Never wasted — it always goes to the grid (earning SEG income). But exporting at 4.5p when you could self-consume at 24.5p is a VALUE loss. A battery, diverter, or EV charger captures more value.

What is the best use of excess solar?

Battery (24.5p value) > hot water diverter (24.5p value) > EV charging (24.5p value) > grid export (4-15p value). Each level captures surplus at decreasing cost-effectiveness.

What Happens to Excess Solar Electricity?

By Home Solar Guide Team|Updated 18 March 2026|question

Independently written | Evidence-based | Sources cited

Excess solar electricity flows to the grid — Surplus solar has 4 destinations — prioritise by value: battery > hot water > EV > grid export.

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Where does excess solar electricity go?

Excess solar electricity goes to (in priority order): (1) Battery storage — stores at 24.5p/kWh value for evening self-use. (2) Hot water cylinder — via solar diverter, heats water at 24.5p value. (3) EV charging — via smart charger, provides free driving. (4) Grid export — earns SEG at 4-15p/kWh. Without battery, diverter, or EV charger: all surplus exports to the grid at the lowest value. The optimal setup captures surplus at the highest value before it reaches the grid.