Guide For Exported Excess Electricity to Grid and Buyback Rates

Example:
This (the Image shown below) is a 30kWp installed capacity, solar power generation for a month.

Basic Theory of Selling Off Excess Energy

1) Upon a completed installation of Solar System, we are required to submit a form to Singapore Power(SP) in order for any selling of energy to be regulated.

2)After installation, it takes about 1 month for SP’s technicians to install a Bidirectional Meter (net Meter)and test it the following day, considering the mains incoming is 100A and above. (Except on weekends and holidays)

3)However if your electricity retailer is Geneco, Keppel, etc, 6-8 weeks wait is expected for the arrangement.

4)Your electricity retailer is required to liaise with SP to install an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meter. This is to keep track of your consumption.

[ONLY SP’s technicians are authorised for AMI Meter and/or net meter installation]

The Bidirectional Meter (Net Meter)
The Image shown below is how the Meter looks like.

1) The Solar System supplies energy for home-use during the day.

2) Excess will automatically be fed to the grid.

3) Any insufficiency in solar output energy will be supplemented by the grid automatically to ensure no inconveniences.

[The entire process is seamless, there’s no need for an on/off switch for the solar system]

Interface Readings

-The Reading “1.8” in the Image above, represents electricity imported from the power grid into your house.

-The Reading “2.8” in the image above, represents electricity Exported into the power grid. Thus is the Excess solar energy not consumed in the day.

Exporting Selling Price

-SP and Other Retailers buys Excess energy Exported from your Solar System. SP’s Fixed Price is considered the highest offer among the other retailers at S$0.2364per kWh.

-The other Open Electricity Market (OEM) retailers such as Genoco, Sembcorp, Keppe, etc varies in prices which are based on the Wholesale Uniform Singapore Energy Price (USEP). These USEP rates are determined half-hourly and may fluctuate, the range is usually S$0.10-S$0.19 per kWh.

Imported Electricity

So what happens when the weather is not suitable for the solar system to generate sufficient energy?

-Electricity from the grid will be supplied to your home without any interference.

(Do note: Electricity Tariff will be different depending on the contract with your electricity retailer)

Benefits From Exporting Energy
– Singapore Power will offset not only the electricity service but also other services such as water, etc..

-Any Excess Exported amount will carry onto the next electricity bill cycling in the same process.

-Any electricity retailer that isn’t SP, will send you the rebate letter to your mail box, 2 weeks after you have received the electricity bill.

[Note: You are only to sell back Excess energy from the date of SP’s PV testing has passed]

Example of An SP Rebate Letter