Demystifying the Solar Bill
After installing solar, your electricity bill changes format. It no longer just shows "Current Reading - Previous Reading". It now has sections for Import, Export, and Net.
Key Terms in your Bill
- Import (I): The electricity you consumed from the grid (mostly at night).
- Export (E): The excess solar electricity you sent to the grid during the day.
- Net (N):
I - E. If Positive, you pay. If Negative, you get credit. - Banked Units: If you export more than you import, the extra units are preserved in your "Energy Bank" and can be used in future months.
Why am I still getting a bill?
Even if your solar generation is high, you might receive a bill for:
- Fixed Charges: The rent for the connected load (kW).
- Electricity Duty/Tax: Government tax on the units you consumed.
- FACA: Fuel Adjustment Charges.
However, the main energy component will be Zero.