Path-Q Solar
What utility information is needed to estimate the value of net metering?
Answer
You need the utility's current tariff and export rules, including how exported energy is credited, whether credits are retail or another value, billing-period treatment, carryover or expiration, fixed charges, time-of-use periods, system-size limits, and any fees or transition rules.
Key points
- Obtain the tariff or agreement that applies specifically to the property and proposed interconnection.
- Confirm whether credits offset energy charges, demand charges, or other bill components.
- Check whether credits roll over, are settled periodically, expire, or change when rates change.
- Identify eligibility, application, meter, and system-size requirements.
What it depends on
- Utility and service territory
- Applicable tariff and interconnection category
- System size and export configuration
- Billing cycle and credit treatment
- Current regulatory and utility rules
Risks and trade-offs
- A generic description of net metering may not match the property's tariff.
- Credits may not offset fixed charges or may have limited duration.
- Future tariff changes can reduce modeled savings.
Information you may need
- Utility name and service address
- Current rate schedule and export tariff
- Historical bills and available interval usage
- Proposed system size and expected exports
- Interconnection and meter requirements
Your next step
What to do next
Request the applicable tariff and written export-credit explanation from the utility, then have the savings model use those exact terms.
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