Frequently Asked Questions
We answer your questions about turning your energy efficiency into income.
Help Centre
Clear, straightforward answers
General
What is an ESC?
An Energy Saving Certificate attests to a verified energy saving. Each ESC equals 1 kWh saved and is an economic asset you can sell to energy companies obligated to meet savings quotas. It is regulated by Real Decreto 36/2023.
Who can generate ESCs?
Any individual or company that has carried out an eligible energy efficiency upgrade: HVAC renovation, lighting, thermal envelope, windows, industrial processes, etc. There are two paths: standardised measures (114 measures in the official MITECO catalogue, with pre-defined savings calculations) and custom measures (tailored projects with specific verification).
Can I obtain ESCs for a project that is already completed?
Yes. The system is retroactive: you can certify measures completed within the last 3 years, provided the work began on or after 26 January 2023. ESCs are valid for up to 3 years from completion of the work or until 31 December 2030, whichever comes first.
Process and Timelines
What documents do I need to get started?
For the initial assessment, you only need basic details about the measure (type of upgrade, location, date). Later on, technical documentation (invoices, equipment certificates, technical reports) will be required to ensure the traceability of the savings. We guide you through the entire process.
How long does the full process take?
The typical process takes between 2 and 4 months from start to payment. It includes filing preparation, verification by an ENAC-accredited body, registration with MITECO and sale on the market. Duration depends on the complexity of the measure and the available documentation.
Are ESCs compatible with other subsidies?
Yes. ESCs are compatible with other public grants such as Next Generation EU funds, FEDER or regional subsidies. Having received a subsidy for your energy upgrade does not prevent you from generating and selling the corresponding ESCs.
Monetisation
How much money can I receive for my ESCs?
It depends on the kWh saved and the market price. The range is between 80 and 150 €/MWh, with the most common range being 100 to 130 €/MWh. Our free assessment gives you a specific estimate for your case before starting the process.
Does using CAE Market have any cost?
Using the platform and the initial assessment are completely free. We only charge a success fee that is deducted from the final sale amount. If your ESCs are not sold, you pay nothing.
Who buys my ESCs?
Obligated Subjects: electricity retailers, gas retailers and wholesale operators of petroleum products and LPG. In 2026, they must meet a savings target of 9.420 GWh, and up to 92% of their quota can be met by purchasing ESCs. CAE Market connects you directly with these buyers to get the best price.
Aerothermal (Heat Pumps)
What is an ESC for aerothermal energy?
It is an Energy Saving Certificate generated when you replace a conventional heating system (gas boiler, diesel boiler or electric resistance) with an aerothermal heat pump. It certifies the energy savings produced by the change and can be sold on the ESC market to Obligated Subjects.
How much money can I get for installing a heat pump?
Between 800 € and 5,000 € per installation, depending on the type of heat pump, the system replaced, the climate zone and the dwelling size. The average is around 3,500 €. CAE Market provides an exact and free valuation.
Are air-to-air heat pumps eligible?
Yes, air-to-air heat pumps are eligible to generate ESCs. However, the amount is usually lower than air-to-water systems, as the certifiable energy savings are smaller since they don't cover domestic hot water production.
Renovations and Rehabilitation
What is an ESC for energy renovation?
It is an Energy Savings Certificate generated when a renovation improves a building's energy efficiency. It certifies the savings produced and can be sold on the ESC market to Obligated Subjects (large energy retailers), generating income for whoever carried out the renovation.
How much money can I get for a renovation?
It depends on the type of renovation, area and climate zone. An individual home can get between 1,000 € and 5,000 €. A homeowners' association insulating the façade can get 5,000 € to 30,000 €+. Industrial or commercial projects can generate significantly higher amounts. CAE Market provides a free valuation.
What types of renovations generate ESCs?
The main ones are: façade thermal insulation (ETICS), roof insulation, replacement of windows with double or triple glazing, HVAC renewal, LED lighting and any thermal envelope improvement that demonstrably reduces energy consumption.
Appliances
What is an appliance ESC?
It's an Energy Saving Certificate generated when purchasing a high energy efficiency appliance. It certifies the energy savings produced and can be sold on the ESC market to Obligated Parties (large energy retailers). It's regulated by Royal Decree 36/2023.
How much can an appliance retailer generate?
It depends on your sales volume and appliance type. Fridges and freezers generate between 10 and 25 € per unit, while washing machines and dishwashers generate between 5 and 10 €. A shop selling 1,000 fridges a year can generate over 15,000 € annually in ESCs. At CAE Market we provide an exact estimate based on your real volume.
Which appliances generate ESCs?
Only 4 types: fridges (including fridge-freezer combis), freezers, washing machines and dishwashers. They are the only ones with official data sheets approved by the Ministry for Ecological Transition. Other appliances (ovens, dryers, hobs, microwaves, etc.) do not currently generate ESCs.
Security and Guarantees
Is it safe and legal?
Absolutely. The ESC system is regulated by Real Decreto 36/2023, with annual obligations set by ministerial order (Orden TED/133/2026 for 2026). Every measure is verified by an ENAC-accredited body and registered with MITECO. CAE Market operates within this framework with full traceability.
What exactly does CAE Market handle?
The entire process from start to finish: eligibility assessment, documentation preparation, verification coordination with an ENAC body, filing registration with MITECO and direct sale to Obligated Subjects. You only provide the details of your upgrade; we take care of the rest.
What happens if my measure is not eligible?
We let you know during the initial assessment phase, at no cost or obligation. If insurmountable issues arise during subsequent technical verification, the process is likewise stopped at no cost to you.
Still have questions? We'll answer them in a 15-minute call.
No obligation and with direct guidance on whether your energy savings can be monetised now.