QUICK SELF-CHECK

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Talk about improving our situation
GRID • NET METERING • time-of-use • EXPORT LIMITS

Grid interaction: the rules that decide return on investment

Two identical systems can have very different economics depending on utility tariffs, export compensation, and time‑of‑use rates.

Polluting plant illustration.

Core concepts

  • Net metering: exports credited near retail (varies by program).
  • Net billing: exports credited at a different (often lower) rate.
  • time-of-use rates: kilowatt-hour value depends on time; solar aligns best with daytime peaks.
  • Interconnection: permission to connect; may include equipment requirements.

Utility policy is the single most important “non-hardware” variable.

Questions that save money
  1. What is my export compensation rate and how is it calculated?
  2. Are there export limits or required curtailment settings?
  3. Does a battery change my compensation (e.g., rate arbitrage)?
  4. Are there fixed charges that solar can’t reduce?

time-of-use optimization (high-level)

Solar already shifts energy to daytime. Batteries add flexibility: store midday production and discharge during expensive evening peaks—if your tariff makes that valuable.

Load shifting

Run dishwasher, laundry, EV charging during solar hours where possible.

Export strategy

If exports pay poorly, prioritize self‑consumption (storage, smart loads).

Electrification

Heat pumps and EVs increase load—but solar can offset that cleanly.