In House Contributor A solar-only system exports excess power the moment it's produced, at whatever export rate the utility offers at that instant, which under current net billing rules is typically lowest exactly when solar production peaks at midday.
In House Contributor For the first time on record, solar energy generated more electricity in the United States than coal, according to a May 2026 analysis of government data by the energy think tank Ember. Solar contributed 12.8% of the nation's electricity that month.
In House Contributor California's new transmission plan expands the electric grid to support more solar and battery storage, helping improve reliability while creating new opportunities for homeowners to benefit from clean energy.
In House Contributor SCE's Solar Billing Plan credits vary by hour and month, making battery storage important for maximizing the value of exported solar. Solar saves money by reducing grid purchases, but the timing of when power is used or exported determines how much.