GetSunScore Analysis: Net Metering
Definition and Solar Context
Net metering is a billing mechanism through which residential solar owners receive credit for electricity exported to the grid. The value of exported energy depends on the applicable plan or utility policy. GetSunScore's current calculator models export value as a scenario assumption, not a verified plan credit.
Export-credit terms can materially affect rooftop solar economics. The calculator's export assumptions are sensitivity ranges, not current utility tariff data or a guarantee.
What Does Net Metering Mean?
Net metering is a regulatory billing arrangement in which a utility credits a solar system owner for electricity fed back into the grid at or near the retail rate of electricity. Under a net metering structure, the electric meter effectively runs backward when the system produces more electricity than the household consumes.
The accumulated credit reduces the customer's monthly utility bill. The specific credit rate, carryover rules, and eligibility thresholds vary by utility territory and state regulatory framework.
Why Net Metering Matters in Solar Savings Modeling
The value assigned to exported generation affects modeled savings. A higher assumed export value raises the estimate relative to a lower-value scenario, while self-used energy offsets grid purchases.
GetSunScore does not assume full-retail net metering or load utility-specific credit rates. Confirm current export, carryover, and fixed-charge terms with the REP or utility serving the address.
How Net Metering Applies in Texas
Texas does not mandate net metering at the state level. Under ERCOT's deregulated retail market, net metering policies — if any — are set at the retail electric provider (REP) level or, in the case of municipal utilities and cooperatives, at the utility level.
Some Texas REPs offer buyback plans. Oncor and other TDUs deliver power but do not set a household's REP export-credit contract. The calculator uses a documented export-value range; see the retail-versus-export explanation and verify current terms with the REP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Net metering is a billing arrangement where your utility credits you for excess solar electricity you send to the grid. The credit reduces your bill. Net metering policies vary significantly by utility and state.
The current calculator tests export value as a share of the statewide retail-rate baseline. It does not look up your REP contract or promise a full-retail credit. Your actual plan can change the result.
Texas does not have a statewide net metering mandate. Export compensation depends on the current REP plan in deregulated areas or on the serving municipal utility or cooperative elsewhere. GetSunScore uses scenario assumptions, not a live plan-rate lookup.
Carryover and expiration terms vary by plan or utility. The current calculator does not model them; check the current contract or utility policy.
Net metering typically credits excess generation at or near the full retail electricity rate. A buyback plan, by contrast, may compensate excess generation at a lower rate — often the wholesale or avoided cost rate. See the Buyback Plan glossary entry for additional context.
Current estimates use versioned city production yields, an EIA statewide rate baseline, and export-value scenarios. They do not model a household's exact plan or tariff. GetSunScore does not install solar systems, provide financial advice, or guarantee savings.