Short answer
A self-consumed kWh avoids the retail grid price. An exported kWh earns only the entered tariff. The self-consumption share therefore changes cash flow materially.
Important variables
- Timing of production and load
- Grid purchase price
- Export tariff
- Storage losses and investment
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Worked example
At €0.34 avoided grid price and €0.08 export tariff, self-consumption is worth €0.26 more per kWh before battery losses and cost.
Break-even: What changes the result?
Load shifting can raise self-consumption. A battery pays only if the incremental benefit covers investment, losses and degradation.
Common mistakes
- Assuming 100% self-consumption
- Ignoring timing overlap
- Treating a battery as free
- Mixing gross and net prices
Terms in this guide
Self-consumptionShare of PV generation used on site at the same time, replacing grid purchases.PVAbbreviation for photovoltaic conversion of light directly into electricity.Grid exportPV electricity not used on site but supplied to the public grid.Export valueRevenue from one kilowatt-hour exported to the grid.
Sources & assumptions
- RATIOXA — Methodology and formulas (2026-08-17)
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