By Claire WhitakerUpdated November 2026
BGE net metering rates determine how much your home solar system earns for the electricity it sends back to the grid. If you have panels connected to Baltimore Gas and Electric’s network, your bill shows exported kilowatt-hours offsetting the power you pull at night or on cloudy days. This guide walks through how those credits are calculated, what to verify on your statement, and where homeowners most often lose money.
Understand What BGE Actually Pays You For
Net metering works by tracking two numbers: the electricity your system exports and the electricity you import from the utility. Your meter runs forward when you draw power and can run backward when your panels produce more than the house uses at that moment. At the end of each billing period, the net difference is what matters.
Shopping for one? See our guide: LADWP Net Metering Rates (2026): Which Is Better for Your Home?.
In practice, that means your credit depends on how much you generate, how much you consume, and the rate assigned to each kilowatt-hour. Confirm with BGE which rate schedule your account uses, because the export value and the retail supply rate are not always the same number.
Step-by-Step: Check Your Solar Credit Each Month
- Locate the net metering or generation section on your monthly statement. It usually lists delivered kWh and received kWh separately.
- Subtract received kWh from delivered kWh to find your net usage for the period.
- If received energy exceeds delivered energy, you have a surplus. Note that figure, since it carries forward under standard net metering arrangements.
- Compare the surplus against the per-kWh rate on your rate schedule to estimate the dollar value of the credit.
- Track results across at least two seasons. Spring and fall production often differ substantially from summer peaks.
Factors That Change Your Net Metering Rate Result
Several variables affect the final number on your bill. Panel orientation, shading, and system size set how much you produce. Household schedule determines how much of that output you use directly, which is usually the most valuable kilowatt-hour because it avoids buying power at retail. Rate structure matters too: some plans include time-of-use pricing, so a kilowatt-hour exported at a high-demand hour may be worth more than one sent back overnight.
| Factor | Effect on Your Credit |
|---|---|
| Panel orientation and shade | Changes total kWh produced each month |
| Daytime household use | Self-consumed power avoids retail charges |
| Rate schedule type | Sets the value per exported kWh |
| Billing cycle timing | Determines when surplus credits apply |
For a broader view of how credits are set across utilities, see Net Metering Rates by State: How Your Solar Credit Is Set (2026). Homeowners comparing service areas can also review Net Metering Buyback Rate: How to Find Yours and Calculate Your Credit to understand how buyback values differ from retail offsets.
Common Mistakes That Cost Homeowners Money
- Assuming every exported kWh is worth the retail rate. Export valuation can differ from what you pay for power.
- Ignoring the monthly statement after installation. Errors in meter reads or rate class assignments can persist for months.
- Expecting summer surpluses to cover winter bills without checking carryover rules on your account.
- Overlooking connection and interconnection paperwork, which must be complete before credits start.
Recommended gear
A basic home energy monitor helps you see real-time production and household use, making it easier to match your statement to what your system is actually doing. View on Amazon
A clamp-on power meter lets you check individual circuit loads, which shows how much daytime consumption you can offset directly. View on Amazon
FAQ
Do BGE net metering rates pay me in cash?
Typically, surplus generation shows up as a credit on your account rather than a direct payout. Check your rate schedule and account terms for how and when unused credits are settled.
How often is my solar credit calculated?
Credits are generally applied each billing cycle based on net delivered and received energy. Review your statement monthly to confirm the figures match your system’s output.
Should I hire a professional to review my solar billing?
If your statement shows unexpected charges or credits that do not match your production data, consult a licensed electrician or your utility’s customer service team for a formal review.
Conclusion
BGE net metering rates reward you for every kilowatt-hour your panels send back, but only if you read the numbers correctly. Check your statement monthly, compare delivered and received energy, and confirm which rate schedule applies to your account. Small habits like these help you catch errors early and get the full value from your system.
Related reading
- Xcel Net Metering Rates: How Your Solar Credit Is Calculated (Step-by-Step)
- Rocky Mountain Power Net Metering Rates: How Your Credit Works (2026)
- Pge Net Metering Rates (2026): Which Should You Choose?
- Ontario Net Metering Rates: How Your Solar Credit Is Set (Step-by-Step)
- OG&E Net Metering Rates: How Oklahoma Solar Credits Work (Step-by-Step)
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About Claire Whitaker
Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home solar guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
