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Net Metering vs Feed-in Tariffs: What They Mean for Your Solar

How the grid pays (or doesn’t) for your surplus solar — and why the rules differ so much by region.

WaterFuelAndSolarEnergy.com Editorial Team Updated November 2024 6 min read

When your panels generate more than you use, the surplus flows to the grid. The compensation you receive is set by your region’s net-metering rules or feed-in tariff — and these differ enormously.

The two main models

  • **Net metering**: your meter runs backwards and offsets future purchases at the retail rate
  • **Feed-in tariffs**: you’re paid a fixed (often lower) per-kWh rate for exports