If you’re a solar homeowner in California, you’ve probably heard about NEM 3.0—the new net billing system that drastically reduced daytime export rates for solar energy. But here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: your battery export strategy—especially in August and September—can still unlock major savings and even extra revenue if you know how to play it smart.
Why August and September Matter Most
California’s grid faces the most intense strain during the hottest months—August and September. The heatwaves push AC systems into overdrive, electricity demand soars, and utilities ramp up incentive payments to prevent blackouts. That’s when Time-of-Use (TOU) rates and California’s Avoided Cost Calculator (ACC) values spike the most.
That means your exported battery power during peak evening hours is worth significantly more during these months than any other time of the year.
The NEM 3.0 Reality: It’s All About Timing
NEM 3.0 isn’t like the old net metering program. It doesn’t give you a 1:1 credit for energy you send back to the grid. Instead, it uses real-time, hourly values based on grid demand and wholesale energy pricing.
The golden window for export?
4 PM to 9 PM during high-demand days—especially in August and September.
During those peak hours, the export value of electricity from your solar battery can jump by 5x to 10x compared to off-peak hours. That’s why programming your system to export during those precise hours can make a huge financial impact.
The Benefits of Exporting Battery Power in Late Summer
Here’s what you can gain by exporting wisely:
Higher ROI on Your Battery Investment
Batteries aren’t cheap—but they pay off fast under NEM 3.0 when you export during high-value hours. August and September can deliver the highest returns of the year.
Earn Premium Export Credits
Thanks to real-time pricing, you could be credited up to $2.00/kWh or more on some peak days. That’s real money going toward your electric bill—or into your pocket if you’re overproducing.
Help Stabilize the Grid
California relies on distributed energy storage like your battery to help prevent blackouts. Exporting energy during grid stress events doesn’t just benefit you—it supports the entire state.
Avoid Wasting Excess Stored Power
Batteries that are fully charged with nowhere to send power waste potential. By exporting in the evening, you create room to store more solar energy the next day—and repeat the cycle efficiently.
How to Make It Happen
- Program your battery (via your inverter or energy app) to prioritize exporting from 4–9 PM during August and September. (This is done automatically).
- Work with your solar installer or monitoring company to ensure your system is optimized under NEM 3.0. (All Vibe systems are setup for this!)
- Track your export values and energy credits in your utility portal or through tools like Enphase or Tesla apps.
“But If I Export, Won’t I Just Owe the Electric Company Later?”
We hear this concern all the time — and it’s rooted in a misunderstanding of how energy value vs. energy consumption works under NEM 3.0.
Let’s break it down.
Yes, when your battery exports power to the grid, that energy isn’t going directly to your home. But here’s the key:
🔁 You’re sending out energy when it’s worth the most, and buying it back when it’s cheap.
For example:
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If you export 1 kWh during peak evening hours (say, at $1.00/kWh value),
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Then later buy back 1 kWh overnight at $0.25/kWh,
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You’ve made a net profit of $0.75 — even though you “owed” the utility for that kWh.
That’s the arbitrage advantage of having a smart battery:
You’re not just saving power for your home. You’re trading energy at the best times—buying low, selling high.
It’s Not About Avoiding Usage — It’s About Maximizing Value
Under NEM 3.0, exporting during peak hours often has more value than using that same energy in your home. So while yes, your house may pull from the grid at times, you’re doing it smartly and economically.
Bonus: Most Homeowners Still Cover Most of Their Needs
With a properly sized solar and battery system, your home is still running primarily on your own solar energy most of the time. You’re just using your battery power strategically — sometimes to run the house, sometimes to export. And in the summer peak months, exporting at high-value times wins every time.
Final Thoughts
NEM 3.0 changed the solar game—but it didn’t eliminate the opportunity. It just shifted the value to timing and strategy, and the months of August and September are your MVPs.
If you’re not exporting your battery power to the grid during those hot evenings, you’re leaving serious money on the table. This isn’t just about savings—it’s about making your solar + battery system work smarter for you and for California.
Contact us for your FREE quote!
