Solar use vs export

Qyburn

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81967764#Comment_81967764

That will probably be true at some times, not at others. For example we generate around twice as much as we consume, taking annual figures.

But there are plenty of times when generation, at that moment, is less than consumption. For example putting the kettle on first thing in the morning or in the evening.

Telegraph_Sam

To start again with this new untangled thread:

FIT generation from my solar panels should be clear enough.

Total Active Import is the difference in consumption between what the meter says on specified dates. "Gross" - or "net" after the contribution of my FIT generation has been deducted.

Total Active Export must be the surplus at any one time that I put back into the grid in addition to my FIT contribution?

Not simple ..

Edit: I have corrected two typos in the original

Telegraph_Sam

Thanks. What is the name and address of the forum where I can pick up the thread?

MSE_Stephen

Hi @Telegraph_Sam

Here is a link to the original thread:

This thread you're viewing now is the one we split off with some of your comments and replies.

If any are in the wrong thread, or you'd like to change the title, please let us know

Telegraph_Sam

Hi Stephen, Thanks for that. I just need an idiot proof way of navigating - from scratch - to the new thread which looks like this one, via the forum index

jennifernil

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81970634#Comment_81970634

Do you have a smart meter that records what you export? Or some other method of measuring your export?

Do you receive a payment per unit you generate?

And are you paid for deemed export or actual export?

MSE_Stephen

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81970692#Comment_81970692

Yes.

Unfortunately when we split a thread, it doesn't put you as the thread creator.

So it won't be in 'My Threads', but you can Bookmark the thread if that helps 🙂

Telegraph_Sam

1. Yes, as shown as Total Active Export
2. I get FIT payments as credits for actual generation
3. I believe that there is an additional deemed export credit but I'll have to investigate.

The relationship between FIT credits and TA Export credits remains a mystery ☹️

Telegraph_Sam

It looks like the address is All Boards / Category List / Mortgages / Energy

jennifernil

HMM….

We have a 3.6 KW system, now in year 15 of production, we have a smart meter.

We generated in 2025 …….3574 kWh

We exported, as measured by our smart meter, ……2245kWh

We imported and paid for ……….3155kWh

So we used 1329kWh of our own generation, mainly because we go away often in the summer months.

So our total annual use of electricity in our home was 4484kWh

If you are not selling a metered amount to, e.g. Octopus, then along with the FIT generation payment, you are paid for deemed export of half of your generation. This rate will be less per unit than you can get paid for actual export. In 2025 our payment figure was 3 times the rate we would have been paid for deemed export.

So, the more you use yourself, with measured export the less you get paid for your export. This does not affect your FIT generation payment at all. Export payment is separate from generation payment, though usually paid along with it if deemed.