What if you could sell your electricity to the utility company instead of getting a bill from them, and benefit the environment at the same time by producing a clean source of energy? Sounds like a good deal, right. Well, net metering allows owners of solar energy systems to produce their own electricity, while saving energy and potentially getting paid to do it.
Net metering turns your home or business into a renewable energy producing, mini power station.
How does Net Metering work?
Net metering is available to home or business owners who produce electricity, through renewable sources like solar panel systems. If your solar powered system produces more energy than what you consume, then the extra electricity flows back onto the grid, causing your electric meter to run backwards. If you consume more electricity than what your own system produces, then you are charged the regular rates for the electricity. If, usually over a twelve month period, you produce more electricity than is consumed, the electric company will provide you with a credit for the amount that you generated. Net metering is required under US law to be offered to any consumer whom requests it.
Turn your Home or Business into an Clean Energy, Mini Power Station
There are many benefits of net metering for owners of solar energy systems. Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource, and a solar system has an extremely low impact on the environment. Not only is solar energy abundant in many areas of the country, it also directly offsets the use of fossil fuels and other environmentally harmful power sources and can help you save money by reducing or completely eliminating your utility bills. Net metering provides an incentive to you, for installing a solar powered system.
Save on Energy
Furthermore, net metering directly reduces your electric bill. Through net metering, you can recoup your initial investment in your solar energy system through reduced or eliminated energy costs. Not only does net metering reduce your monthly energy costs, but there are potential state and federal tax credits and deductions for installing solar and other forms of renewable energy systems, as well.
Moreover, net metering reduces the demand on electric companies, which in turn reduces costs for energy consumers. These cost reductions are achieved through less maintenance, smaller facilities, and fewer work hours. Whatever energy you pay for, then, is at a cheaper rate.
Net metering allows you to benefit from the energy produced all day long by your solar panels
Utilities also charge customers under tiered rate systems, where higher energy use is charged at a higher rate. Through net metering, you’ll be purchasing less energy and are therefore charged at a lower rate for the energy that you use.
Some net metering programs offer flexible billing, as well. There are programs in place where the bill or credit is settled annually, instead of monthly. This is great if you have sporadic and inconsistent energy usage. It also simplifies accounting for consumers and small businesses alike.
What’s needed to get started?
There are a few things necessary to get net metering. You must have a solar energy system. Your utility company will provide you with an application and then send someone to install the necessary equipment. Laws are not the same in every state, so the program details may vary depending on where you live. Net metering is a great way for solar energy system owners to reduce their electric bill and potentially receive credits from your utility company for the energy you produce. Is now the time to turn your home or business into an energy producer with a solar powered system? Net metering makes it seem so much more interesting…
You’ll also like:
Fight Back! Choose this Weapon in your War against Energy Waste
How to Guide: Choosing the right Solar Company
Find Green Jobs Fast with these Top 3 websites!
My husband and I are very interested in solar energy. With the high cost of living, you need all the help you can get!
Hi Carol…Thanks for your comment! I think you’ll enjoy our additional articles about solar here: Things to Consider Before You Install Solar Panels and Solar Company Eclipsing the Competition