CAE price in 2026, payment and taxation.

71How much will I be paid for ceding my savings?

Whatever you agree: the price is unregulated. It must appear in the agreement as a certain amount in €/kWh (or, if the consideration is non-monetary, its equivalent economic value in €/kWh). It is not permissible to make the consideration conditional on hypothetical events after certification.

72What is the market price of the CAE in 2026?

Market references put the indicative range at around 85–155 €/MWh, with a frequent range of 115–140 €/MWh according to MITECO's monitoring report from August 2025. These are not official tariffs: what the owner receives is lower after deducting verification, management and the SD's margin.

73Why does the price vary?

Because of supply and demand (it is a market), the type and volume of the action, documentary quality, the time of year (demand concentrates near the close of the obligation) and the natural ceiling set by the alternative cost of paying into the FNEE.

74When do I get paid?

As agreed in the agreement: there are payment schemes on signing/installation (with the SD assuming the issuance risk) and schemes paying on issuance or settlement of the CAE. Always check the payment milestone and what happens if the case file does not go through.

75Can the payment be a discount on the installation invoice?

Yes, the consideration can be non-monetary or structured as a discount, always stating what it consists of and its equivalent value in €/kWh. Mind the IVA: see question 78.

76How much is paid for a typical air-source heat pump?

As a guide: with 7,000–12,000 kWh/year certifiable and 2026 market prices, the gross value of the saving from replacing a boiler with an air-source heat pump in zone D may be around several hundred to a little over a thousand euros; the net amount to the owner depends on the split with the SD. Each case requires a calculation with its datasheet.

77Is the amount taxed under IRPF (individuals)?

Yes, the payment for ceding savings is income subject to IRPF for the individual (generally as a capital gain). As it is not public aid, the exemptions for subsidies do not apply. Confirm it with your tax adviser for your specific case.

78How is it taxed for companies? Does it carry IVA?

CAE are regarded as movable goods subject to the general IVA regime (21%). MITECO v1.6 criterion on the installation invoice: the consideration for ceding the savings does not reduce the taxable base — it is a partial barter (services for savings rights), so the IVA is calculated on the total cost of the action before applying the "CAE discount" (arts. 78 and 79.Uno of Ley 37/1992).

79Must I issue an invoice for the cession?

If the transferor is a business or professional, yes: it is a transaction subject to IVA. Non-business individuals do not issue an invoice; the payment is documented in the agreement itself and the transfer receipt.

80Can CAE be bought and sold?

Yes, but only between Obligated and/or Delegated Parties (RD 36/2023, art. 8.1). The transfer must be reported to and accepted by the National Coordinator before the buyer can settle them.

81What margin does the SD or the intermediary keep?

It is not regulated: it is the difference between the market value of the CAE and the consideration agreed with you, which covers verification, management, risk and profit. That is why it is worth comparing offers (net €/kWh and timing of payment).

82What economic reference does the system set in 2026?

Orden TED/133/2026 sets the financial equivalence at 198,624.25 €/GWh (2.31 M€/ktep): it is the cost of complying via the FNEE and acts as a reference ceiling for the value of the CAE. For 2026, up to 92% of the obligation can be met with CAE (a minimum of 8% to the FNEE).

Main sources: official FAQ of the CAE System, MITECO v1.6 (23/04/2026); Real Decreto 36/2023; Orden TED/815/2023; Orden TED/845/2023; Orden TED/133/2026; 2026 market references. This text is informational and has no legal value; the applicable regulations always prevail.