By Claire WhitakerUpdated November 2026
Net metering 2.0 is San Diego Gas and Electric’s (SDG&E) current solar billing arrangement for customers with home solar systems. This guide explains how your exported power is credited, how to check that your credits are applied correctly, and what to look for on your monthly statement. By the end, you will know how to read your bill and spot errors early.
Understanding How Net Metering 2.0 Credits Your Exports
Under net metering 2.0, your solar system generates electricity, your home uses what it needs first, and any surplus flows onto the grid. SDG&E tracks that surplus and credits it against the electricity you draw from the grid later. The credit is not a cash payment for every kilowatt-hour you export. It is applied to your usage within the billing period, with any leftover credit carried forward under the rules in your tariff.
Shopping for one? See our guide: Net Metering in Virginia vs Virginia Community Solar: Which Should You Choose?.
Because exports and imports are both metered, your bill reflects the net difference. A sunny afternoon can offset evening usage, but only as the tariff allows, and timing matters.
Step-by-Step: Checking Your Net Metering 2.0 Bill
- Confirm your rate plan on your statement. Net metering 2.0 customers are billed on a specific SDG&E tariff, and the rate name should match your interconnection paperwork.
- Find the export or generation line. Look for kilowatt-hours delivered to the grid and kilowatt-hours received from the grid for the same period.
- Compare exports to imports by time of use. Credits depend on when power is exported and when it is drawn, so check the peak and off-peak breakdowns.
- Review any carried-forward credit. Note the balance at the start and end of the cycle and confirm it changes as expected.
- Track the same period across several months. Seasonal changes in sunlight and home usage will shift your numbers, so compare like months.
Key Factors That Affect Your Net Metering 2.0 Savings
Several variables determine how much of your solar output actually reduces your bill. Your system size and roof orientation set how much you generate. Your household schedule determines how much you use at home while the sun is up. Time-of-use rates change how valuable each exported kilowatt-hour is. Battery storage, if you have it, can shift power into higher-value hours.
| Factor | What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| System size | kW rating on your interconnection agreement | Sets total generation |
| Usage timing | Daytime versus evening consumption | Determines how much you self-consume |
| Rate plan | Tariff name on your statement | Controls how exports are valued |
| Storage | Battery presence and settings | Shifts exports to higher-value hours |
Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not assume a sunny month means a zero bill. Evening grid use still generates charges.
- Do not ignore fixed monthly fees, which apply regardless of solar output.
- Check that your inverter and meter data match what SDG&E shows, especially after any system change.
- Keep copies of your interconnection agreement and rate confirmation.
- Report billing discrepancies early so corrections can be applied to the correct period.
For background on how the application and setup process works, see SDGE Net Metering Application: Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners. If your bill still seems high after reviewing these points, Why Is My Net Metering Electricity Bill Still High? 6 Causes and Fixes covers the most common reasons.
Comparing Net Metering 2.0 With Other Programs
Homeowners sometimes wonder whether a different solar arrangement would serve them better. Net metering 2.0 and net metering programs in other states follow different crediting rules, so direct comparisons can mislead. For a broader look at how utilities structure these programs, read States That Allow Net Metering (2026): Which Is Better for Homeowners? and What Is the Benefit of Net Metering for Home Solar Owners?. Note that rules for future programs are still changing, so check current tariff documents before making decisions.
FAQ
Does net metering 2.0 pay me cash for every kilowatt-hour I export?
Not usually. Exported energy is generally credited against your future grid usage under the tariff terms, rather than paid out per kilowatt-hour. Your statement shows how credits are applied.
Can I keep credits from one month to the next?
In many net metering arrangements, unused credit can carry forward within the rules of your rate plan. Check your tariff to confirm the current treatment and any limits.
Who should I contact if my credits look wrong?
Contact SDG&E customer service first and request a review of the affected billing period. If the issue is unresolved, ask about the formal dispute process; for complex tariff questions, consult a qualified solar installer or energy advisor.
Conclusion
Net metering 2.0 credits your solar exports against your grid usage according to your SDG&E tariff. Reviewing your statement line by line, comparing months, and watching usage timing will show you how much your system is actually saving. When something looks off, document it and raise it quickly.
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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.
