Path-Q Solar

How do export rates affect the value of excess solar generation?

Answer

An export rate determines how much value you receive when solar generation exceeds on-site use. If exported electricity is credited below the price of imported electricity, excess production is worth less than energy used directly, so self-consumption, load shifting, or storage becomes more important.

Key points

  • Value on site usually depends on the avoided import rate, while exported energy uses the applicable export compensation.
  • Export rules may differ by time, customer class, system size, or program.
  • Fixed charges and other non-energy bill components may not be offset.
  • The financial model should compare generation with hourly load where possible.

What it depends on

  • Current utility tariff and export arrangement
  • Hourly household consumption and solar production
  • Battery operation and load-shifting capability
  • System size, export limits, and compensation credits

Risks and trade-offs

  • A forecast using the retail import price for all generation can overstate savings.
  • Oversizing may produce low-value exports.
  • Changing tariffs or export programs can alter the system's future economics.

Information you may need

  • Current import and export rates
  • Recent bills and interval usage if available
  • Solar production estimate by time of day
  • Battery or controllable-load plans

Your next step

What to do next

Calculate the value of on-site use and exports separately using the current tariff, then test how different self-consumption levels affect annual savings.

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