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What's the difference between the Earner and Saver plans?

Last fact-checked: October 1, 2025

Meter offers two solar buyback plans designed for different types of solar homes. The Earner plan gives you our highest guaranteed solar credit rate, locked in for your full contract term — best for homes that export at least 60% of what they use. The Saver plan has no base fee and is designed for homes that use most of their solar power on-site.

Understanding key terms

  • Export/Buyback rate: The rate (¢/kWh) we credit you for excess solar energy sent to the grid
  • Export percentage: How much energy you send to the grid compared to what you use (exports ÷ usage × 100)
  • Earner: Our highest guaranteed solar credit rate, locked in for the entire contract term — no caps, no limits, credits never expire
  • Base fee: Monthly fixed charge for service, regardless of usage

How do the two plans compare?

Earner Plan

Our highest guaranteed solar credit rate, locked in for your full contract term. No caps, no limits, credits never expire.

Best for:

  • Homes that export at least 60% of what they use annually
  • Oversized solar systems that produce more than home usage
  • Maximizing the value of excess solar energy

Key features:

  • Highest guaranteed credit rate — locked in for up to 36 months
  • No caps, no limits — every kWh gets credited at the same rate
  • Credits roll over — never expire while on the plan

Saver Plan

No base fee and a low energy rate, designed for solar homes that use most of their solar power on-site.

Best for:

  • Homes with lower export amounts (less than 60% of usage)
  • Right-sized solar systems that match home consumption
  • Homes with battery storage that self-consume most solar energy

Key features:

  • No base fee — zero monthly fixed charges
  • Low energy rate — fair rates for imported energy

What are the key differences between plans?

FeatureEarnerSaver
Buyback RateHighest guaranteed rateCompetitive rate
Monthly Base FeeStandardNone
Ideal Export Amount60%+ of usage< 60% of usage
Credit RolloverYes, unlimitedYes, unlimited
Contract Length12-36 months12-36 months
Trial Period60 days60 days

How do I choose the right plan for my home?

Check your export ratio

Look at your annual electricity usage and compare it to how much energy you send back to the grid (exports). If you export 60% or more of what you use, the Earner plan will typically save you more money. If you export less, the Saver plan's no-base-fee structure makes it the better choice.

Consider your solar system size

Oversized systems (producing significantly more than home usage) benefit most from Earner's higher guaranteed credit rate. Right-sized systems or homes with batteries that store excess energy typically do better with Saver.

We'll help you decide

When you sign up, we analyze your meter data to recommend the best plan for your home. You can also call us at (737) 210-3959 to discuss your specific situation with our team.

Find out which plan is right for you

Enter your ZIP code and we'll analyze your usage to recommend the best plan.

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