By Claire WhitakerUpdated November 2026
An NH net metering bill looks more complicated than a standard utility bill because it shows what you pulled from the grid, what your solar system sent back, and how the difference was credited. This guide walks you through each section so you can confirm your solar credits are being applied correctly. Once you know where to look, you can spot errors and understand what you actually owe each month.
Step 1: Confirm Your Billing Setup
Before reading any numbers, check which rate schedule and billing arrangement appear on the first page. Utilities in New Hampshire, including Eversource, Unitil and Liberty Utilities, label net-metered accounts differently, so the account type tells you how credits will roll forward. If you are unsure whether your system is enrolled, compare the account details to your interconnection paperwork. For background on how the program works, see Solar PV Net Metering Explained: How It Works and Credits Your Bill.
Shopping for one? See our guide: ComEd Net Metering Bill Example: Which Is Better for Your Home? (2026).
Step 2: Read the Energy Usage Section
The usage section shows kilowatt-hours (kWh) for the billing period. Look for two separate figures: energy delivered to your home from the grid, and energy exported from your system to the grid. Many NH bills list the exported amount as a credit line rather than a separate meter reading, so check both the kWh column and the description text.
- Note the total kWh imported from the grid.
- Note the total kWh exported to the grid.
- Subtract exports from imports to find your net usage for the period.
If net usage is negative, you generated more than you consumed, and the surplus typically carries forward as a credit. If your numbers look wrong, Why Is My Net Metering Electricity Bill Still High? 6 Causes and Fixes covers the most common reasons.
Step 3: Track Credits and Banked kWh
Net metering credits in New Hampshire are usually tracked as banked kWh that offset future consumption. Check whether the bill shows a prior balance, new credits earned this month, and credits applied. A simple table helps you track the flow:
| Bill Line | What It Means | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Previous banked kWh | Credits carried from last cycle | Matches last bill’s ending balance |
| Exported kWh | Energy your system sent to the grid | Consistent with system output |
| Credits applied | kWh used to offset your consumption | Reduces the billable amount |
| Ending banked kWh | Credits left for next period | Carries forward correctly |
Step 4: Review Delivery and Fixed Charges
Even with a net-metered system, you will usually pay delivery charges, customer charges and sometimes a fixed monthly fee. These are not offset by energy credits in the same way the supply portion is. Compare the delivery line items to last year’s bills, because a sudden jump often points to a rate change or a billing error rather than a problem with your solar output. If the charges look unfamiliar, Net Metering Bill Example: How to Read Each Line of Your Solar Bill shows how these lines are typically laid out.
Step 5: Check the Annual True-Up
New Hampshire net metering is generally settled on an annual basis, so credits may accumulate over several months before any true-up. Look for a statement of unused credits at the end of the year and note whether they are paid out or rolled over, as this depends on your utility’s tariff. Keep your own monthly log so you can compare it to the utility’s year-end figures.
Common Mistakes
- Reading only the total amount due and ignoring the banked kWh section.
- Assuming a negative net usage means a refund, when it usually means credits carried forward.
- Forgetting that delivery and fixed charges are billed separately from supply credits.
- Comparing bills from different months without accounting for weather and seasonal output.
- Skipping the annual statement, which is where unused credit balances are settled.
Recommended Gear
A basic monitoring setup makes it much easier to compare your system’s output against the exported kWh on your bill. Many owners find a monitoring app paired with their inverter gives a clear monthly picture.
- Enphase Envoy gateway: useful for tracking production data for microinverter systems, so you can match exports against what the array actually generated. View on Amazon
- Kill A Watt P4400 meter: a plug-in tool for checking household appliance consumption, helpful when you want to verify your usage figures. View on Amazon
FAQ
Why does my NH net metering bill still show a charge?
Delivery, customer and fixed charges are usually billed separately from energy supply and are not fully offset by solar credits. Check the itemized lines to see which portion is being charged.
What does banked kWh mean on my bill?
Banked kWh is excess energy your system exported that has not yet been used. It carries forward to offset future consumption, typically until the annual settlement.
Who should I contact if my credits look wrong?
Start with your utility’s customer service team and ask for a breakdown of exported and imported kWh. If the issue is not resolved, consult a licensed solar installer or your state’s utility regulator.
Conclusion
Reading an NH net metering bill is easier when you go section by section: confirm your billing setup, check usage, track banked credits, review delivery charges and watch the annual true-up. Keeping a simple monthly log lets you catch errors early. When numbers do not add up, bring your production records and bill history to your utility or a qualified professional.
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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.
