Federal solar credit ended Dec 31, 2025
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Net metering · Alaska

Alaska Net Metering and Solar Export Credits

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Updated Data verified Nov 5, 2026

Net billing (exports credited below retail). Under RCA rules, larger regulated utilities like Chugach must offer net metering for systems up to 25 kW, but monthly excess kWh are credited at the utility's non-firm buyback rate (about 6.6 cents/kWh at Chugach in late 2026), not the retail rate; credits reduce later bills.

On this page [ 5 ]

What Chugach Electric pays for exported solar

For a new rooftop system, Chugach Electric credits exported energy at about 6.55¢ per kWh[1], against an average Alaska residential price of 27.32¢[2]. Exports first offset what you use over each month at the retail rate; this rate applies only to the surplus left over.

Other Alaska utilities, co-ops and municipal utilities set their own rates; check your utility's current tariff.

State rules that apply

  • What the rule says: “Chugach will credit your account based on the amount of excess energy (kWh) produced at the non-firm buyback power rate.”[3]

What it means for sizing and batteries

When exports earn much less than retail, each kWh you use at home as it is produced is worth more than one you export. Size to your daytime and evening use, shift loads (laundry, dishwasher, EV charging) to sunny hours or the plan's off-peak window, and price a battery against the gap between the retail and export rates.

The calculator uses the statewide rule until we add utility rates. See what solar costs in Alaska.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does Alaska have net metering?

Under RCA rules, larger regulated utilities like Chugach must offer net metering for systems up to 25 kW, but monthly excess kWh are credited at the utility's non-firm buyback rate (about 6.6 cents/kWh at Chugach in late 2026), not the retail rate; credits reduce later bills.

sources

[ 3 ]

Every number on this page links to one of these sources. Dates show when we last checked each one.

  1. Chugach Electric - North District rates (Purchased Power Rates for Qualified Facilities)chugachelectric.com · checked Nov 5, 2026
  2. EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.B: Average price of electricity by state, year-to-date (August 2026, preliminary)eia.gov · checked Nov 5, 2026
  3. Chugach Electric - Solar Installation Frequently Asked Questions (05-2026)chugachelectric.com · checked Nov 5, 2026

Tariffs last re-checked November 5, 2026.

Change log

  1. Monthly output per kW in Anchorage updated to [14.1, 34.8, 98.7, 119.9, 139.4, 136.7, 123.8, 111.1, 76.6, 41.1, 17.7, 7.8] kWh/kW/month (NREL/NLR PVWatts v8 (1 kW-DC, fixed roof mount, 20° tilt, south-facing, 14% losses, TMY weather)).
  2. Average solar radiation on the panels in Anchorage updated to 3.17 kWh/m2/day (NREL/NLR PVWatts v8 (1 kW-DC, fixed roof mount, 20° tilt, south-facing, 14% losses, TMY weather)).
  3. Solar output per kW in Alaska (PVWatts, Anchorage) updated to 921.9 kWh/kW/yr (NREL/NLR PVWatts v8 (1 kW-DC, fixed roof mount, 20° tilt, south-facing, 14% losses, TMY weather)).
  4. What the rule says updated to “Chugach will credit your account based on the amount of excess energy (kWh) produced at the non-firm buyback power rate.” (Chugach Electric - Solar Installation Frequently Asked Questions (05-2026)).