Path-Q Solar

What should I ask about export compensation before accepting a solar quote?

Answer

Ask exactly how exported electricity is credited, what rate or formula applies, whether the arrangement can change, and how the quote's savings model treats exports. Obtain the governing utility or retailer terms in writing before accepting the quote.

Key points

  • Ask whether exports receive a fixed credit, market-linked value, avoided-cost value, or another treatment.
  • Confirm whether credits expire, roll over, or can offset all bill components.
  • Ask about system-size, export, battery, and interconnection limits.
  • Require the quote to separate on-site consumption savings from export compensation.
  • Confirm whether moving, changing retailers, or changing system size affects the arrangement.

What it depends on

  • Utility or retailer tariff
  • Interconnection approval and export limit
  • System size and expected export profile
  • Bill structure and compensation terms

Risks and trade-offs

  • Projected savings can be overstated when exports are valued like retail consumption.
  • A program may be changeable, time-limited, or unavailable to new systems.
  • A larger system may have diminishing value if additional generation is mostly exported.

Information you may need

  • Current tariff or export agreement
  • Quote production and consumption assumptions
  • Proposed system and inverter limits
  • Rules for credits, rollover, expiration, and future changes

Your next step

What to do next

Request the official export terms and a revised quote that shows savings separately for on-site use and exported electricity.

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