Path-Q Solar
What grid export rules should I understand before estimating solar savings?
Answer
Determine how exported energy is credited, whether credits expire or carry forward, whether export limits apply, and how fixed, demand, time-based, or minimum charges affect the bill. These rules can materially change the value of a larger system or battery and must be confirmed with the relevant utility and regulator.
Key points
- Identify the compensation rate or formula for energy sent to the grid.
- Check whether exported energy is credited at the retail rate, a different rate, or a market-linked value.
- Review enrollment requirements, program limits, credit rollover, settlement, and rule-change provisions.
- Confirm interconnection capacity, export controls, meter requirements, and any demand charges.
- Model self-consumption separately from exports.
What it depends on
- Utility tariff and interconnection rules
- Applicable jurisdiction and customer class
- System size and export-control design
- Battery operation
- Your load profile
Risks and trade-offs
- Assuming retail-value exports can substantially overstate savings.
- Export limits may reduce the value of additional generation.
- Tariff or program changes can alter future savings.
Information you may need
- Current utility tariff
- Interconnection and export-limit requirements
- Credit rollover and settlement rules
- Your interval usage and proposed production profile
Your next step
What to do next
Obtain the current utility tariff and written interconnection terms, then have the savings model calculate on-site use and exports separately.
Path-Q
Find the right next step
Answer a few questions and we’ll narrow your options.
Loading…
Some details may depend on your location, installer, utility, incentives, regulations, or specific property.
SQ00307