Renewable Generation Value Calculator

How the renewable generation value calculator works

On-site energy = entered generation × self-use percentage / 100. Exported energy = generation minus on-site energy. Self-use must be from zero to 100%. Generation, use share, rates and operating cost must all refer to a consistent period and metering boundary.

Avoided purchases = on-site kWh × entered avoidable import rate. Export income = exported kWh × export sale rate. Each component rounds half-up to cents. Avoided purchases are an expense reduction, not exported-energy sales revenue.

Combined operating value is avoided purchases plus export income. Net operating value subtracts the separately rounded period operating cost. Operating cost remains in a zero-generation scenario, so zero output can produce a negative net value.

No production or self-consumption forecast is made. The model does not implement interval matching, import/export netting, tariff tiers, demand charges, fixed charges, tax, credits, incentives, financing or capital recovery. Confirm the actual tariff and payment terms. SAM’s electricity-rate documentation describes why real import and export billing needs those additional rules.

Worked example

10,000 kWh with 60% used on site gives 6,000 kWh on site and 4,000 kWh exported. At illustrative rates of 0.20 avoided import and 0.05 export, avoided purchases are 1,200 and export income is 200. Combined value is 1,400; subtracting 300 operating cost leaves 1,100. With zero self-use, export income is 500 and net operating value is 200.

Sources and assumptions

The source material explains the underlying calculation or pricing structure. Entered prices, costs, schedules and scenario choices are your assumptions; this tool does not obtain supplier quotes or predict actual results.

• NLR SAM: electricity rates and import/export billing