Ethan BrooksBy Ethan Brooks

Updated November 2026

PECO solar net metering lets homeowners in southeastern Pennsylvania receive credit for excess electricity their solar panels send back to the grid. This guide walks through how the credit is calculated, what paperwork you need, and how to avoid the mistakes that delay your first bill credit. The process is manageable, but it depends on getting the interconnection steps right before your system is switched on.

How PECO Net Metering Credits Work

Under net metering, your meter runs both directions. When your panels produce more than your home uses, the surplus flows to the grid and the meter records it. When your home draws more than your panels produce, such as at night, you pull power from the grid as usual. At the end of each billing period, PECO nets those two totals against each other. You pay only for the net amount you consumed.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Net Metering in Virginia vs Virginia Community Solar: Which Should You Choose?.

Excess generation is generally credited at the supply rate rather than the full retail rate, so the value of your exported kilowatt-hours can be lower than what you pay for power drawn from the grid. Check the current tariff language in your PECO agreement, because rate structures and rules can change.

Steps to Get Credited by PECO

  1. Confirm your system size. Your installer will submit an interconnection application that lists the inverter capacity and total panel wattage.
  2. Submit the PECO interconnection application and wait for written approval before energizing the system. Operating before approval is a common reason for rejection.
  3. Install a bi-directional (net) meter. PECO typically schedules this swap after approval. Your old meter cannot record exports correctly.
  4. Sign the interconnection agreement and any net metering addendum PECO provides.
  5. Receive permission to operate, then watch your first bills. Credits usually appear on the bill for the billing cycle after the meter is active.

Reading Your Bill and Tracking Credits

Your PECO bill should show both consumption from the grid and generation sent back. Compare the two figures each month. If exports appear to be zero on a sunny month, the meter may be wired backward or the inverter may be shut off. Keep a simple spreadsheet with monthly kilowatt-hours imported, exported and net billed. This lets you spot problems quickly and check that your credits roll forward as expected.

Table: What Appears on a Typical Net Metered Bill

Bill Line What It Means
Kilowatt-hours delivered Power your home drew from the grid
Kilowatt-hours received Surplus solar power exported to the grid
Net usage Delivered minus received, the amount you pay for
Credit carried forward Surplus that offsets future months, if any

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Energizing the system before PECO approves the interconnection.
  • Assuming the old meter records exports. A bi-directional meter is required.
  • Ignoring a sudden drop in export readings, which often signals an inverter fault.
  • Forgetting to report changes in system size or ownership to PECO.
  • Comparing your credits to retail rates without checking the supply rate used for exports.

A basic clamp-on power meter helps you check whether your inverter is exporting as expected before you rely on PECO’s bill. View on Amazon

Monitoring hardware that reports production to an app gives you daily data to compare against your monthly bill. View on Amazon

FAQ

Do I need a new meter for PECO net metering?

Yes. PECO requires a bi-directional meter so it can record both the power you draw and the power you export. The utility usually arranges this swap after approving your interconnection.

How long until I see my first solar credit?

Credits generally appear on the first full billing cycle after your net meter is active and the system has been approved to operate. Timing can vary, so confirm with PECO.

What happens to credits I do not use?

Excess credits typically carry forward to offset future bills. Check PECO’s current terms for how and when any remaining balance is settled.

Conclusion

PECO solar net metering rewards you for the electricity your panels export, but only after the interconnection, meter swap and approval steps are complete. Track your monthly import and export numbers so you can catch problems early. For questions about your specific agreement, contact PECO or a licensed installer.

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Ethan Brooks

About Ethan Brooks

Ethan Brooks is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our home solar guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.