Net energy is calculated by assessing the difference between the energy your solar system generates and the energy your home consumes.
To calculate total net energy, you need to:
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Determine Energy Produced: Measure the total amount of energy your solar energy system generated over a specific period (e.g., daily, monthly).
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Determine Energy Consumed: Measure the total amount of energy your home consumed during the same period.
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Calculate the Difference: Subtract the total energy consumed by your home from the total energy produced by your solar system. This will give you the net energy.
- Net Energy = Energy Produced - Energy Consumed
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Consider Battery Storage (If Applicable): If your system includes battery storage (like an Enphase AC Battery), you also need to account for the energy stored in or discharged from the batteries. This will alter your net energy calculation.
- Battery Storage Adjustment: If energy is discharged from the battery, this adds to the energy you could consume. If energy was stored in the battery, this needs to be deducted from your energy production.
Here’s a table summarizing the calculation:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Energy Produced | Total energy generated by the solar panels. |
| Energy Consumed | Total energy used by your household. |
| Battery Discharge | Additional energy from battery storage used to power your home. (if applicable) |
| Battery Storage | Energy stored in the battery (if applicable) |
| Net Energy | Energy Produced + Battery Discharge - Energy Consumed - Battery Storage |
Example:
Let’s say, in one month:
- Your solar panels produced 500 kWh of energy.
- Your home consumed 400 kWh of energy.
- Your battery discharged 50 kWh of stored energy into your home.
- You stored 20 kWh into your battery.
Net Energy = 500 kWh + 50 kWh - 400 kWh - 20 kWh = 130 kWh
In this example, your net energy is 130 kWh, indicating that your solar system produced more usable energy than your home consumed for that month, also taking into account the usage of a battery storage system.
