What is the Difference Between Net Billing and Net Metering Systems?

Your solar-generated energy that isn't used for self-consumption doesn't just disappear – learn how your settlement system works, whether you are on the Net Billing System (NNS) or the Net Metering System (NUS).

  • Net Billing System (NNS): You sell electricity back to the grid and accumulate monetary value.
  • Net Metering System (NUS): Unused electricity is stored and accumulates in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

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Skats no augšas uz plašu saules paneļu lauku, kura priekšplānā redzami zaļi, nedaudz izplūduši augu zari.

Net Billing System (NNS)

  • Electricity is fed into the grid and sold at the market exchange price.
  • Can cover bills across multiple properties under the same provider.
  • Requires a new Net Billing contract. Remaining balance is refunded per contract rules.
  • No annual wipe; rolls over seamlessly as an advance payment.
Saules paneļu rinda uz zemes uzstādītā masīvā saulainā dienā uz gaiši zila, abstrakta fona.

Net Metering System (NUS)

  • Stored in kWh and drawn back when needed.
  • Can only be used at the exact property where it is generated.
  • Your status and accumulated kWh are preserved (must keep the same contract holder name).
  • Balance resets to zero every year on the last day of February.
Mūsdienīgu gaišu dzīvojamo māju rinda ar saules paneļiem, kas uzstādīti uz tumšiem slīpajiem jumtiem.

Padziļinātāks ieskats abās neto sistēmās

How does Net Billing (NNS) work

How does Net Billing (NNS) work

  • It is mandatory for all households and companies that started producing electricity after April 30, 2024.
  • If the value of the electricity you feed into the grid is higher than the value of the energy you consume in a given month, the difference is stored as real money in your "virtual wallet."
  • This balance continues to accumulate as an advance payment and is automatically used to cover your future electricity bills.
  • Multi-property perk: You can use your accumulated wallet funds to pay electricity bills for your other properties (like a city apartment), as long as they are managed by the same provider and the contracts are under your name.
  • Provider flexibility: You are free to switch electricity providers. However, doing so terminates your current Net Billing contract. Any leftover balance will be refunded to you based on your contract terms, and you will sign a new agreement with your new provider.
  • State support: To receive state support for your solar panels, the contract must be in the property owner's name.

How does Net Metering (NUS) work?

How does Net Metering (NUS) work?

  • If you managed to install your solar panels before Spring 2024, you are most likely using this older model.
  • You feed your surplus kilowatt-hours into the grid and take them back later. While you have a saved balance, you don’t pay for the electricity itself, but you still have to cover the distribution grid tariff and balancing fee for each unit you draw.
  • Unlike the newer system, you can only use your stored kWh at the specific address where the electricity is produced.
  • The annual wipe: On the last day of February every year, all accumulated kWh are permanently deleted. The cycle restarts in March, meaning it is most cost-effective to fully use up your balance before winter ends.
  • Expiration date: This system is not permanent. It will run until February 28, 2029, after which all Net Metering users will be required to transition to the new Net Billing System.
  • Settlement tracking: Settlements utilize your actual Net Metering consumption divided into intervals based on your individual usage profile, rather than an automated, standard load profile graph.

Special Offers for Solar Panel Owners

 

NNS with Ignitis

Purchase Price:
Nord Pool exchange price minus a fair trade markup of €0.015/kWh (excluding VAT).

Financial Safety:
Even after subtracting the trade markup, your purchase price will never drop below €0/kWh.

Flexibility:
Complete freedom with zero contract cancellation fees.

Reminder!
The contract must be explicitly in the owner's name.

 

NUS with Ignitis

Choose your preferred personalized, fixed, or exchange-based tariff and enjoy better rates whenever your stored kWh run out!

Security:
Your Net Metering status and accumulated balance are fully preserved when switching to us.

Simplicity:
No additional Net Metering contract paperwork is required.

Crucial Hint!
Do not change the name of the person signing the electricity trade contract. If you do, you will lose your Net Metering (NUS) status immediately and be permanently moved to Net Billing (NNS).

Trīs izmaiņas līgumos un pāreja starp sistēmām


Changing Provider


Changing Owner


Transition NUS NNS:

NNS: A new contract must be signed.
NUS: Stored balance is fully preserved.

NNS: Requires a brand-new contract.
NUS: Stored balance is wiped; mandatory transition to NNS.

One-way transition only (no turning back). Any remaining kWh balance is lost.

Start Saving with Ignitis!

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Mandatory Reading for Solar Panel Owners