Introduction
If you want to know how much you’re really earning from solar exports, your inverter data is the best starting point. Inverter monitoring shows both your total generation and how much of that you consume directly. With this information, you can estimate your solar exports and work out your bill credits under different feed-in tariff (FiT) plans.
Key Definitions
-
Inverter data: The live and historical measurements of solar power generation and grid interaction.
-
Exported energy: The kWh of solar that isn’t used in your home and instead flows back to the grid.
-
Self-consumption: The portion of solar power used directly in your household before any export occurs.
-
Feed-in tariff (FiT): The credit your retailer pays you for each exported kWh.
For state-by-state FiT information, check Compare FiT by State.
Worked Example 1 — Using Daily Data
Suppose your inverter shows:
-
Generation: 25 kWh/day
-
Self-consumption: 12 kWh/day
Exports = 25 – 12 = 13 kWh/day.
With a FiT of 8c/kWh: 13 × $0.08 = $1.04/day in export credits.
Run your own numbers with the FiT Savings Calculator.
Worked Example 2 — Using Monthly Totals
Inverter data over a month shows:
-
Generation: 750 kWh
-
Self-consumption: 400 kWh
Exports = 750 – 400 = 350 kWh/month.
At 10c/kWh FiT: 350 × $0.10 = $35 credits.
Compare against your Retailer Rates to see if another plan would boost that.
Worked Example 3 — Adding Seasonal Variation
-
Summer: 30 kWh/day generation, 15 kWh/day consumption → 15 kWh/day exported
-
Winter: 12 kWh/day generation, 10 kWh/day consumption → 2 kWh/day exported
This shows why exports, and therefore FiT credits, vary dramatically across the year. Use the Postcode Estimator for a location-based forecast.
Why Inverter Data is Key
Your bill shows exports only after the meter records them. But your inverter gives real-time insights. By combining inverter logs with FiT rates, you can simulate “what if” scenarios — for example, switching to a higher FiT plan or tracking impact of rate changes using the Rate Change Tracker.
FAQs
Q1. Do all inverters provide export data?
Most show generation, but not all display exports directly. If yours doesn’t, you can calculate exports by subtracting household use from total generation.
Q2. How accurate is inverter export estimation?
It’s usually very close, but the most accurate reading comes from your smart meter.
Q3. Can I estimate future exports?
Yes — by combining past inverter data with seasonal solar averages. Tools like the Solar ROI Fit help you model this.
Q4. Why do my inverter exports differ from the bill?
Because the retailer uses the meter’s official readings, which may differ slightly from inverter data.
Conclusion
By learning to interpret inverter data, you can estimate your solar exports and FiT credits with confidence. This helps you decide whether your current retailer’s plan is competitive or if switching would increase savings. Always pair your inverter insights with FiT calculators and comparison tools to make the most informed choice.