Net metering Question - purchase and sold in same interval?

[Alewis21]

We recently had solar installed and I understand we have a net meter. 

I keep coming across entries such as this one where we have sold to the grid and purchased within the same 30 minute interval? In this particular one we have sold to the grid more energy in KWH value than purchased. In this case, shouldn’t the purchased energy be zero if we have a net metre? 

I’m confused! Apologies if this is a simple answer. 

[Lester]

The figures up the top, and represented by that 30 min interval, are showing you are paying much more per kwh than your FIT is putting in.

I had to go back a long way to find something similar, and it was just on morning production start up.

That is because we are being charged peak TOU at 49.something cents, and getting 4c FIT.

Your rates will probably be a lot different, but similar in the way it's charged higher vs FIT.

I hope your solar company explained things to you properly, many are focussed on making solar look / sound great, but it can be vastly different when put into practice.

Retailers often put people onto TOU tariffs, which can be terrible for working households, bills can actually be higher !

You solar morning production is pretty terrible compared to afternoon, do you have a morning shading issue ?

[Alewis21]

Thank you for responding!

We are on a single rate plan. As I understand with a net meter, you use your own solar first before buying from the grid? With the example, we sold a tiny bit to AGL but also purchased…Shouldn’t there be zero sold to the grid on a net metre before we purchase? 

Probably not a great example as it has been raining this week and not much sunshine! We’re also located on the west side of a mountain so takes a little longer for the sun to come up and over. 

[Lester]

Ok, no problems, good to get some exposure to new things both ways, I often learn here.

So single rate plan, but obviously on digital 'smart' meter for the two way communication.

You must be getting real time usage and solar each day.

I could see it it was an old analogue meter it would almost have to be net metering, but with smart meter I can only see it being charged at the rates / kwh each day for both, but as said, I could be wrong, I've seen net metering mentioned on here before.

Maybe they've made a mistake and if so it can be fixed for you.

For now, how does that particular 30 min intervals, and others like it compare to your rates and FIT as per your single rate plan ?

My guess is based on what's there, you are on 30.434c or so for usage, and 0.04c FIT ?

Mine is worked out to peak TOU @ 0.50c and 4c FIT (or at least for that one rounded up a touch).

[Lester]

Solar - Understandable then with the solar orientation etc.

Did the solar people recommend going extra big on the western roof if enough space ?

There is so much to be aware of now with solar, batteries, and retail plans / tariffs, and other options.

[NeilC]

@Alewis21 

You need to look at other posts where this has been explained.

A smart meter, reads power from the grid and power exported to the grid.

This is instantaneous, so you may be exporting 1kw to the grid, then you start the washing machine and draw 1.2 kw.

Now the difference is .2 kw, this amount is measured by the smart meter and shown on your scale.

You also need to understand that your AGL app shows 30min intervals, I can tell you that your meter is set to FIVE minute intervals and that is what you are billed for.

You need to look at the top for your daily amount, you sold .52 kWh (2cents) to the grid and paid for .23kWh  (7cents) for the day or in simple accounting it cost you 5 cents for the power for the day.

You are charged for your daily use.

[Lester]

@NeilC 

"You need to look at the top for your daily amount, you sold .52 kWh (2cents) to the grid and paid for .23kWh  (7cents) for the day or in simple accounting it cost you 5 cents for the power for the day."

That's actually just for the 30 min interval the OP had highlighted (1300hrs).