Gross metering exports essentially all solar generation through a dedicated path and buys all household consumption from the grid — usually under a legacy premium FiT. Net metering lets you use solar on-site first and export only surplus. For new Australian residential installs in 2026, net metering is the live model; gross arrangements are mostly historical.
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PV serves loads behind the meter. Surplus exports earn a retailer FiT; deficits import at retail rates. This matches modern bi-directional meters and DNSP connection standards for new homes.
Legacy schemes sometimes paid a high FiT on every generated kWh while the household purchased all imports. That could favour maximum generation regardless of self-use. Most premium gross schemes are closed to new customers.
Early FiT folklore survives on social media. A salesperson quoting gross-era economics on a 2026 net-metered quote will overstate returns. Ask explicitly: “Is this modelled as net metering with today's FiT?”
Value = avoided import + (export × FiT). Avoided import usually dominates when FiTs sit at 2–11c depending on state/retailer context. That is why load shifting and batteries outperform “just add more panels for export.”
Your DNSP/retailer metering configuration must match the approved connection. Wrong CT orientation or plan setup can look like “broken solar” when it is settlement confusion. Reconcile inverter kWh with bill kWh after commissioning.
Hybrids reduce export and import by storing surplus. Federal ~$372/kWh usable support makes that pathway mainstream. Gross metering nostalgia does not change how batteries settle on a modern meter.
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Written and reviewed by Daniel (Marketplace lead, Epic Unicorn Pty Ltd). We build pages from Australian solar datasets and regulatory references, then map you to CEC-accredited installers only.
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