Introduction
Your electricity bill can feel confusing, especially when you’re trying to understand the solar export line. This is where your retailer shows how much energy you exported to the grid and what you earned through the feed-in tariff (FiT).
In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to read it, with real examples, so you know whether you’re being credited correctly.
For background, see What is FiT? or compare offers at Retailer Rates.
Key Definitions
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Export kWh: The amount of excess solar sent to the grid.
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Feed-in Tariff (FiT): The rate per kWh your retailer pays you for exports.
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Credit line: The dollar value shown on your bill from FiT payments.
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Net bill: Your final amount after supply charges, imports, and FiT credits.
Worked Example 1 — Flat FiT
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Exported: 300 kWh in a month
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FiT rate: 8c/kWh
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Credit: 300 × $0.08 = $24
This should appear as a credit on your bill’s solar export line.
Check long-term impact with the FiT Savings Calculator.
Worked Example 2 — Time-of-Export FiT
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Exports: 250 kWh daytime @ 5c, 50 kWh evening @ 12c
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Credit: (250 × 0.05) + (50 × 0.12) = $17.50
Bills will show this split into different time bands if your retailer uses time-of-export FiTs.
Compare state rules with Compare FiT by State.
Worked Example 3 — Supply Charges vs FiT
Even with FiT credits, the daily supply charge can reduce savings.
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Supply charge: $1/day = ~$30/month
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FiT credit: $24 (from Example 1)
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Net impact: You still owe $6 before imports.
Use the Postcode Estimator to see how your exports balance with supply charges in your region.
FAQs
Q1. Why is my export line smaller than expected?
Check your inverter export data against your bill. Retailers calculate exports after grid losses and metering rules.
Q2. Can export credits roll over month to month?
Yes, most plans apply unused credits to future bills, but terms vary.
Q3. Why don’t FiT credits cancel my entire bill?
Because you still pay daily supply charges and import costs. See Explainer: Daily Supply Charge vs FiT.
Q4. What if my bill doesn’t show exports clearly?
Ask your retailer for a detailed breakdown or check with your smart meter. See Smart Meter Basics for Solar Export.
Conclusion
Reading your bill’s solar export line is essential to make sure your FiT credits are accurate. Always check export kWh, FiT rate, and total credits. Then use tools like the Solar ROI Fit Calculator or Rate Change Tracker to test whether a different plan could save you more.