Net metering calculator

How much will my electric bill be after solar?

Compare a solar bill under traditional 1:1 net metering vs export-only credits (e.g. CA NEM 3.0). Get monthly net cost, exported kWh, self-consumption ratio, and annualized totals.

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Net Metering

Net metering monthly savings

Monthly savings$272.00
Annual savings$3,264.00
Self-consumed850 kWh
Grid import50 kWh
Exported to grid0 kWh
Bill without solar$300.00
Bill with solar$28.00

Results are first-pass estimates. Verify with installers, manufacturers, and utility tariffs before purchase.

How it works

How it works

  • Self-consumed kWh ≈ min(consumption, solar × 0.40). Without batteries, only 30–50% of midday solar is consumed onsite.
  • Imported kWh = consumption − self-consumed. Exported kWh = solar − self-consumed.
  • Monthly bill = imported × import rate − exported × export rate + fixed fee. Under NEM 3.0 export rate is roughly 25% of import rate.

Worked examples

Worked examples

CA NEM 3.0, 900 kWh use, 850 kWh solar

Bill ≈ $90/month with batteries (95% self-consumption) vs $215/month without retail-rate export.

Texas free-nights plan, 1,100 kWh use, 950 kWh solar

Net bill near $0 in shoulder months; summer surplus banked.

AZ APS, 1,300 kWh use, 1,100 kWh solar

Export rate $0.075/kWh, bill ≈ $135/month with $13 fixed fee.

Net metering FAQ

Net metering FAQ

What changed with NEM 3.0?

California cut export rates ~75% in April 2023. Batteries become essential to make new residential solar pencil out.

How is self-consumption calculated?

The calculator assumes 40% baseline without storage. With a Powerwall-class battery it can exceed 90% — model that by raising the self-consumption factor.

Are fixed connection fees included?

Yes — set the monthly fixed fee field. Most US utilities charge $8–$30/month regardless of usage.

Does the calculator handle TOU rates?

No. Use an average blended rate. For TOU plans, weight peak hours separately and rerun.

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