Net Metering
Net metering, also known as Behind-the-Meter, is a solar energy incentive program offered in many states through your electric utility company. Since solar only produces power during the daytime, this program allows you to receive credit for any excess energy (energy not being used) that is generated and exported to the utility grid. Then when you are not producing enough solar energy to meet your demand, such as at night, the earned credit is applied to your billing account.
How a Net Metered Solar Energy System Works:
- Solar panels convert the energy from the sun into Direct Current (DC) electricity.
- Solar inverters convert the (DC) to usable Alternating Current (AC) electricity.
- Your building will consume as much of the solar electricity as needed.
- Any excess solar electricity that is not consumed will flow through the utilities bi-directional flow meter, which will measure any excess solar electricity that is exported to the utility grid.
- When the sun is not shining, the utility will provide all of the electricity.
