Have A Question?
How Solar Net Metering Can Save You Money
If you're from Australia and your state offers net metering, solar energy is a great option. Learn why in this blog post.
Solar net metering is a billing practise that utilities use to encourage residential solar panel adoption by their customers. Because solar panels produce excess energy during the day but not at night, the cost of installing a standalone solar system is much higher than average.
Utilities that implement net metering policies are allowing customers to offset their monthly utility bill with excess solar energy production instead of selling it back to the grid at a lower rate. This article covers everything you need to know about net metering solar and why it matters as more and more utilities offer it as an option for their customers.
What is net metering?
Net metering is a billing arrangement between you and your solar electricity retailer. When you have solar PV panels installed on your roof, net metering allows you to export any excess electricity that your system produces back into the grid, and receive a credit for it on your next power bill.
In most cases, this credit will offset the cost of any electricity that you need to import from the grid at night or during periods of low solar output (i.e., cloudy days). This effectively means that you can use the grid as a "battery" and only pay for the ‘net’ amount of electricity that you use each month.
If your system produces more electricity than you need over a 12-month period, your electricity retailer will pay you for the excess at the ‘feed-in tariff’ rate.
How does net metering work?
In order to take advantage of net metering solar, you will need to have a ‘grid-connected’ solar PV system installed. This type of system is different to an "off-grid" or "stand-alone" system, as it is designed to work in conjunction with the electricity grid.
A grid-connected solar PV system consists of:
Solar panels: these capture the sun’s energy and convert it into DC (direct current) electricity.
An inverter: this converts the DC electricity from your solar panels into AC (alternating current) electricity, which is compatible with the grid.
A metre: this monitors how much electricity your system is producing, and how much you are exporting back into the grid.
In most cases, the inverter and electricity meter will be installed by your solar PV installer. The solar panels will then be connected to the inverter, and the inverter will be connected to your home’s switchboard.
Your electricity retailer will also need to install a ‘net meter’ at your premises. This is a special type of meter that can measure both the electricity that you import from the grid and the electricity that you export back into it.
The net metre will record two separate readings:
Import: this is the amount of all the solar electricity that you have drawn from the grid (ie. used) in a given period
Export: this is the amount of excess electricity that your system has produced, and that you have exported back into the grid
At the end of each billing period, your electricity retailer will calculate your "net" energy consumption for that period. This is simply the difference between your import and export readings. If you have exported more electricity than you have imported (i.e., your system has produced more electricity than you have used), then you will receive a credit on your bill for the excess amount.
Alternatively, if you have imported more electricity than you have exported (i.e., your system has not produced enough electricity to meet your needs), then you will be charged for the deficit amount.
In most cases, the net metering credit will offset the cost of any deficit usage, effectively meaning that you only pay for the "net" amount of electricity that you use each month.
Types of Solar Net Metering Agreements
There are two types of solar net metering agreements in Australia, here's the difference between net and gross metering:
Gross Metering
This is the original type of net metering arrangement and is still offered by some electricity retailers. Gross Metering is when all the solar electricity generated is exported into the grid. With gross metering, you will receive a credit on your bill for all of the excess electricity that your system produces, regardless of exactly how much electricity actually use.
Net Metering
This is the more common type of arrangement and is offered by most electricity retailers. With net metering, you will only receive a credit for the excess solar electricity that your system produces if you actually use it. If you don’t use it, then the excess solar electricity will be exported back into the grid.
Benefits of Net Metering
There are a number of benefits associated with net metering, including:
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Net metering can help to reduce your carbon footprint, as it encourages the use of solar power or renewable energy.
Power More Than One Building
If you have grid-connected solar power, you can use the excess electricity that it produces to power more than one building.
Reduced Electricity Bills
Net metering can help to reduce your electricity bills, as you will only be charged for the "net" amount of electricity that you use each month.
Net metering is a great way to save money on your electricity bills and reduce your
carbon footprint. If you’re thinking of installing solar power, make sure to ask your electricity retailer about their net metering arrangements.
Who can participate in net metering?
Most states and territories in Australia offer some form of net metering, below are the cities or states that offer Net Metering:
- Adelaide
- Alice Springs
- Blacktown
- Central Victoria
- Moreland
- Perth
- Townsville
If you’re thinking of installing a solar PV system, it’s important to check whether you’re eligible for net metering in your state or territory. You can find out more information from your local government or electricity retailer.
Share Your Energy
Start saving today by switching to solar power and net metering. You could save money on your electricity bills and do your bit to reduce your carbon footprint.
Solar power is a great renewable energy source that can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re thinking of installing a solar PV system, contact GES Energy. We can help you to find the best solar power system for your needs and budget.
Browse by Categories
Solar energy can be a smart way to generate electricity for your home or business. However, solar panels only produce energy when sunlight is available. This means you may still need electricity from the grid during the evening or when solar production is low. Battery storage provides a way to store energy for later use. A Deye inverter and battery storage system can work with solar panels to manage energy production, storage, and household or business consumption. Deye offers residential hybrid inverter and energy storage solutions designed for different system sizes and applications. For property owners looking for Deye Inverter & Battery Storage in Greater Victoria , GES Energy can help with system design, product selection, and professional installation. The right solution depends on your electricity usage, existing solar system, property requirements, and energy goals. What Is a Deye Hybrid Inverter? A hybrid inverter is an important part of a solar and battery storage system. It helps manage electricity from your solar panels, battery, home, and the grid. This allows energy to be used where it is needed and stored when appropriate. Deye offers a range of residential hybrid inverters for different applications. Its Australian residential range includes single-phase and three-phase models with different power capacities and battery configurations. This flexibility can make Deye suitable for a range of homes and energy requirements. However, the correct inverter should always be selected based on the property's electrical system and expected energy demand. How Does Deye Battery Storage Work? The process is straightforward. During the day, your solar panels generate electricity. Your home or business can use that electricity immediately. If your solar system produces more energy than you need at that time, compatible battery storage can store some of the excess energy. You can then use the stored energy later. This can be particularly useful when solar production falls in the evening or during periods when your electricity demand is higher. Deye's current home energy storage systems combine battery storage, hybrid inverter technology, and energy management features. Some Deye systems are also designed to provide backup power to connected loads during a grid outage. Why Consider Battery Storage in Greater Victoria? Energy consumption does not always match solar production. Your solar panels may generate their highest output during the middle of the day, while your household may use more electricity in the morning and evening. Battery storage can help close this gap. Instead of using all your solar electricity immediately or exporting excess energy, you can store some of it and use it later. GES Energy explains that solar batteries can store solar energy for later use and help property owners make greater use of their solar generation. The company provides battery storage design and installation services across Victoria. Store More of Your Solar Energy One of the main reasons people consider battery storage is to make better use of their solar power. A solar system can produce more electricity than your property needs at certain times of the day. A compatible battery can store some of that excess energy. You can then use the stored energy when your solar panels are producing less electricity. This can create a more flexible energy system. Instead of relying only on the timing of solar production, you have the option to use stored energy when it suits your needs. Battery Storage for Backup Power Power outages can interrupt important household and business activities. Depending on the system design, a battery storage system can provide backup power to selected loads when the grid goes down. Deye's current residential energy storage range includes systems with backup support for connected loads. The amount of power available during an outage depends on the selected equipment, battery capacity, electrical configuration, and the loads connected to the backup system. For this reason, backup requirements should be discussed during the design stage. You may want to keep essential lighting, refrigeration, communications, or other important equipment operating during an outage. Deye Inverter and Battery Storage for Existing Solar Systems You do not necessarily need to install a completely new solar system to consider battery storage. In some situations, battery storage can be added to an existing solar installation. However, compatibility must be checked first. Your existing inverter, solar array, electrical system, and proposed battery need to work together correctly. A professional assessment can identify the most suitable approach. GES Energy provides solar battery solutions for Victorian homes and businesses and can assess your existing energy setup before recommending a storage solution. Choosing the Right Battery Size Battery capacity is normally measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh. The capacity you need depends on how much electricity your property uses and how you want to use the battery. A household that mainly wants to store excess solar energy may have different requirements from a household that wants significant backup capacity. Businesses can also have different requirements because their electricity demand may be higher or concentrated at particular times. Deye offers scalable storage solutions. For example, its current All-In-One Home ESS range can be configured with different inverter power levels and expandable battery capacity. The right size should be determined from your actual energy usage rather than simply choosing the largest available battery. Deye Battery Storage for Homes Every home has a different electricity profile. Some homes use most of their electricity during the day, while others have higher demand in the evening. A battery can help shift stored solar energy to the times when it is needed. This can make your solar system more useful throughout the day. For homeowners in Greater Victoria, a professional energy assessment can help determine whether battery storage is suitable and what system configuration may work best. Deye Battery Storage for Businesses Businesses can also benefit from energy storage. Commercial properties often have larger electricity loads and may use significant amounts of energy during operating hours. Battery storage can provide another way to manage energy generated by a commercial solar system. Depending on the system design, stored energy can be used when required, while smart energy management can help coordinate solar generation, battery charging, and electricity consumption. Deye also provides energy storage solutions for commercial and industrial applications, with different system configurations available for different energy requirements. Smart Energy Management Modern battery systems do more than simply store electricity. Energy management is an important part of understanding how your solar and battery system operates. Deye's current residential energy storage systems include energy management and monitoring features. Depending on the selected system, users can monitor energy production, consumption, battery status, and other system information. Monitoring can help you understand how much energy your solar panels are producing and how your battery is being used. This information can also help you make better decisions about your household energy consumption. Why Professional Installation Matters Battery storage is a significant electrical installation. It needs to be designed and installed correctly for safe and reliable operation. Energy Safe Victoria notes that battery energy storage systems have important safety requirements and that installations should meet applicable regulations and standards. It also highlights the need to assess switchboards when adding battery systems or other supplementary supplies. Professional installation is therefore an important part of the process. A qualified installer can assess the property, review the electrical system, determine suitable equipment, and configure the system according to the installation requirements. Why Choose GES Energy? Choosing the right battery is only one part of a successful energy storage project. The design and installation are equally important. GES Energy provides solar battery design and installation services for residential and commercial customers across Victoria. The company states that its Victorian battery installers are accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia and that it provides a five-year workmanship guarantee on its solar power projects. GES Energy can help you understand your available options and determine whether a Deye inverter and battery system is appropriate for your property. A Complete Approach to Solar and Battery Storage A good energy storage system should be designed around your property. Your electricity consumption, solar generation, backup requirements, available space, and future energy needs should all be considered. Deye offers different inverter and battery configurations, including single-phase and three-phase options. This allows the system to be selected according to the property's requirements rather than using one standard solution for every customer. GES Energy can assess these factors before recommending a system. This helps ensure that the inverter and battery are appropriate for your existing or planned solar installation. Is Deye Inverter & Battery Storage Right for You? Deye inverter and battery storage may be worth considering if you already have solar panels or are planning a new solar system. It can also be an option if you want to store excess solar energy, increase your use of stored energy, or explore backup power. However, the best system depends on your property. Your electricity consumption and solar generation should be reviewed before selecting equipment. A professional assessment can help you understand the available options and avoid choosing a system that does not match your actual requirements. Get Deye Inverter & Battery Storage in Greater Victoria If you are considering Deye Inverter & Battery Storage in Greater Victoria , GES Energy can help you explore your options. From system design and equipment selection to installation, professional guidance can make the process easier and more straightforward. Battery storage can help you use solar energy beyond the hours when your panels are producing electricity. With the right inverter, battery, and system design, your property can have a more flexible approach to energy management. GES Energy provides solar and battery storage solutions across Victoria. Contact the team to discuss your energy requirements and find out whether a Deye inverter and battery storage system is suitable for your home or business. Frequently Asked Questions
In 2026, a NSW home can cut roughly 30% off a new battery through the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, then earn an extra NSW payment by joining a virtual power plant. Businesses now get even more: since 1 September 2026, a new NSW business battery discount can be combined with the federal one. NSW battery rebates at a glance There are two main sources of help: the Australian Government's battery discount and the NSW Government's Peak Demand Reduction Scheme. Which ones you can get depends on whether you are a home, an apartment building or a business.
In 2026, a NSW business can combine up to three government incentives on one solar and battery project: the federal solar discount, the federal battery discount and the new NSW business battery discount that started on 1 September 2026. Together they can cover a large share of the project cost, but only when the job is done by the right kind of installer. Commercial solar and battery incentives at a glance A NSW business can stack federal and NSW incentives on the same project. Each is claimed through your installer as a discount on the quote.
