Solar guide
Net Metering and Solar Savings
Learn how net metering, net billing, and export rates can affect solar payback.
Updated 2026-07-22
Short answer
Net metering or export credits decide how much value you receive for solar energy your home does not use immediately.
Why it matters
If export value is low, a 100% offset system may not pay back as quickly as expected. Battery storage can help in some rate plans, but it can also increase total cost.
How SolarCalcNow values solar energy
The savings model values solar used in the home at the retail electricity rate and exported solar at the selected export rate. It then caps modeled savings at the home's annual energy charge, so the estimate does not assume a utility cash payout for excess credits.
The three export scenarios
Retail net metering values exports at 100% of retail. Partial export credit, the conservative default, uses 35%. The low-export stress test uses 10%. These are editable planning scenarios, not verified utility tariffs; check the current tariff, fixed charges, settlement period, and time-of-use rules before relying on payback.
State net metering pages
Compare export-value assumptions by state, then verify the exact tariff with your utility before signing.
SolarCalcNow provides planning estimates only. Results are not installer quotes, engineering designs, tax advice, financing recommendations, or utility interconnection approval.