Claire WhitakerBy Claire Whitaker

Updated November 2026

Net metering 2.0 SCE is the set of rules Southern California Edison uses to credit homeowners for the solar electricity they send back to the grid. This guide explains how those credits work, what determines your rate, and what you should check to make sure your system is billed correctly. By the end, you will know how to read your SCE solar bill and spot the settings that matter most.

What Net Metering 2.0 Changed for SCE Customers

Under the earlier program, most solar homes were credited at the full retail rate for every kilowatt-hour they exported. Net metering 2.0 replaced that approach for customers who applied after the transition date. Exports are now valued at a rate tied to the time they occur, so midday power sent to the grid is worth less than power sent during the evening peak. Your system size and orientation still matter, but the hour of the day now plays a much bigger role in your credit.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Net Energy Metering Sce (2026): Which Should You Choose?.

How the Solar Credit Is Calculated

SCE measures your home’s electricity flow with a bidirectional meter. Every interval, the meter records how much power you drew from the grid and how much you sent back. The bill then works through these steps:

  1. Add up your total grid consumption for the billing period.
  2. Add up your exports, separated by time-of-use period.
  3. Multiply each export block by its applicable export rate.
  4. Subtract the export credits from your energy charges.
  5. Apply fixed monthly charges, which net metering does not offset.

Because exports during different hours carry different values, the same kilowatt-hour can be worth more or less depending on when it leaves your roof. Check the time-of-use schedule on your rate plan before you assume a particular credit.

Checking Your Rate Plan and Meter Setup

Many bills stay higher than expected because the customer is on a rate plan that does not match the solar system. Confirm three things with SCE or on your online account:

  • Your current rate plan is a time-of-use option compatible with net metering 2.0.
  • Your bidirectional meter was installed and activated after your system passed inspection.
  • Your interconnection agreement lists the correct system size in kilowatts.

If any of these are wrong, the credits your system earns may not show up on the bill at all. Get the correction in writing so you have a record.

Reading Your Monthly SCE Solar Bill

Look for three sections: consumption, exports and the net total. Compare the export kilowatt-hours against your system’s expected output for that month. A large gap can point to shading, inverter faults or a meter reading problem. Write down the month, the export totals and the rate applied so you can spot changes over time.

Common Mistakes

  • Assuming all exported power earns the same credit regardless of the hour.
  • Switching rate plans without checking how the change affects your export value.
  • Ignoring fixed charges, which remain even when your net usage is near zero.
  • Waiting months to report a meter or inverter problem that is cutting your output.
  • Relying on a solar installer’s estimate instead of your actual SCE bill.

A basic home energy monitor helps you compare your system’s real-time production with what appears on your SCE bill. Owners often use these monitors to catch output drops early. View on Amazon

A clamp-on power meter lets you check how much electricity a single appliance draws, which helps you decide when to run loads during the hours that earn the best export value. View on Amazon

FAQ

Does net metering 2.0 apply to every SCE solar customer?

No. The rules depend on when your system was approved and interconnected, so check your interconnection agreement for the program that applies to you.

Why do my exports earn less in some months?

Export rates vary by time of day and season under the current structure, so the same output can produce different credits. Review the export section of your bill to see the breakdown.

Who should I contact if my solar credits look wrong?

Start with SCE customer service and ask for a review of your meter data and rate plan. If the problem continues, a licensed solar installer or electrician can check your system’s output.

Conclusion

Net metering 2.0 SCE credits your exports based on when they happen, so your rate plan and meter setup matter as much as system size. Check your bill against expected production each month, and act quickly on any gap. Reviewing these details now can protect the savings your system was built to deliver.

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Claire Whitaker

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.