Net Metering Calculator

Calculate your net electricity bill with solar export credits.

Please note: Estimates for planning only. Actual solar output depends on your latitude, roof orientation, shading, weather and equipment. Get a site-specific assessment and quotes before committing.

What the Net Metering Calculator does

Net metering credits solar you export to the grid against the electricity you import. Under full net metering the credit matches the import rate, making every generated kWh equally valuable. Under a feed-in tariff exports earn less, which makes using your own generation directly far more valuable than selling it.

Formula

  • Self-consumed = min(Generation × Self-consumption share, Usage)
  • Exported = Generation − Self-consumed
  • Imported = max(0, Usage − Self-consumed)
  • Net bill = Imported × Import rate − Exported × Export rate + Fixed charge

Inputs explained

InputUnitRequiredNotes
Monthly consumptionkWhYesAccepts more than 0.
Monthly solar generationkWhYesAccepts 0 or more.
Self-consumption share%Yes
Import rate per kWhselected currencyYesAccepts more than 0.
Metering arrangementone of 2 optionsYes
Export rate per kWhselected currencyIn some modesAccepts 0 or more. Shown Metering arrangement is Feed-in tariff — exports paid at a lower rate.
Fixed monthly chargeselected currencyOptionalAccepts 0 or more.
Currencyone of 10 optionsOptional

How to use it

  1. Choose Metering arrangement and Currency.
  2. Enter Monthly consumption, Monthly solar generation, Self-consumption share and Import rate per kWh.
  3. Fill in the remaining inputs the form shows for your choice.
  4. Optionally add Fixed monthly charge.
  5. Select Calculate.

Worked example

900 kWh used, 657 kWh generated, 40% self-consumed, 0.28 import, 0.08 export, $15 fixed.

Usage
900
Generation
657
Self-use
40
Arrangement
Feed-in tariff
Import
0.28
Export
0.08

Self-used 262.8, exported 394.2, imported 637.2. Bill = $178.42 − $31.54 + $15 = $161.88, saving $105.12 a month.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between net metering and a feed-in tariff?

Net metering credits exports at the retail rate you pay. A feed-in tariff pays a separate, usually much lower, wholesale-linked rate.

Can my bill go negative?

The energy portion can, but fixed charges normally keep the total positive. Many utilities also cap credits at your annual consumption.

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