Path-Q Solar
How would losing net metering affect the economics of my planned solar system?
Answer
Losing net metering can reduce savings when exported electricity is credited below the retail import rate, especially for systems with substantial daytime excess generation. The impact may be smaller when the home consumes most production directly, shifts loads, uses storage, or has another favorable export arrangement.
Key points
- Recalculate savings using the proposed replacement export rule rather than assuming current treatment continues.
- Compare self-consumption, exports, fixed charges, and any time-based rates.
- Test smaller and larger systems because the economically optimal size may change.
- Consider whether an existing customer or approved project has transition protections, without assuming that it does.
What it depends on
- Current and possible future export tariffs
- Hourly load and production profiles
- System size and battery operation
- Eligibility or grandfathering rules
- Utility and regulatory changes
Risks and trade-offs
- A project with acceptable economics under net metering may have a much longer payback under low export credits.
- Storage can improve self-consumption but may not fully replace favorable export treatment.
- Regulatory changes may occur after installation.
Information you may need
- Current tariff and proposed replacement terms
- System production and interval load model
- Interconnection date and any transition provisions
- Battery and load-shifting scenarios
Your next step
What to do next
Ask for a sensitivity analysis using current net metering, lower export compensation, and no export credit before finalizing system size or contract terms.
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