- "Net metering (or net energy metering, NEM) is an electricity billing mechanism that allows consumers who generate some or all of their own electricity to use that electricity anytime, instead of when it is generated."
A billing arrangement where excess energy generated by renewable energy systems is credited on a customer's utility bill.
Renewable energy sources: This includes solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy. It is important to understand the different types of renewable energy sources and how they can be used to generate electricity.
Grid-tied systems: Grid-tied systems are connected to the electric grid and allow excess energy to be sent back to the grid. This is an important aspect of net metering.
Off-grid systems: Off-grid systems are not connected to the electric grid and rely on batteries for energy storage. While they may not be eligible for net metering, they are still an important topic to understand.
Net metering regulations: Net metering regulations vary by state and utility company. It is important to understand the regulations in your area and how they can impact your ability to use net metering.
Metering equipment: Metering equipment is used to measure the amount of energy generated and consumed. Different types of meters are used for different types of renewable energy sources.
Inverter technology: Inverter technology is used to convert DC energy to AC energy. It is an important component in renewable energy systems.
Energy storage: Energy storage systems allow excess energy to be stored for later use. This is an important topic for understanding the benefits and limitations of net metering.
Electricity rates: Electricity rates vary by state and utility company. Understanding how rates are calculated and how they impact net metering is an important topic.
Renewable energy incentives: Many states and utility companies offer incentives for installing renewable energy systems. Understanding these incentives can help you make the most of net metering.
Environmental impacts: Renewable energy sources have less environmental impact than fossil fuel sources. Understanding the benefits of renewable energy and the impact it can have on the environment is an important topic.
Economics: Understanding the economics behind net metering is important. It can help determine the costs and benefits associated with installing renewable energy systems.
Incentive programs: In many countries, utility companies offer incentive programs for those who install renewable energy systems. It is important to understand how these programs work and what benefits they offer to homeowners.
Government subsidies: Many governments offer subsidies to homeowners who install renewable energy systems. Understanding the rules and regulations surrounding these subsidies is important when selecting a system to install.
Contract terms: It is important to understand the contract terms associated with net metering. This can help ensure that you are receiving the most benefits from the program.
The impact on the grid: Net metering has a significant impact on the electric grid. Understanding how it works and how it impacts the grid is important when considering the benefits of this process.
Bi-Directional Metering: A meter that can measure the flow of electricity both to and from the grid.
Time Of Use Metering: A meter that measures the time of day and charges different rates for energy consumed during different times of the day.
Virtual Net Metering: A group of consumers can share the same renewable energy system and receive credits on their energy bills based on their share of the electricity produced.
Net Billing: The energy supplier and homeowner agree on a price per kilowatt-hour for the energy supplied and energy generated.
Feed-in Tariff: An arrangement where the energy supplier agrees to buy the energy generated by the homeowner's renewable energy technology at a fixed price for a certain period.
Capacity Credit: A utility buys the right to access and use the capacity of stored energy created in a renewable energy technology.
Community Solar: A program that enables customers to subscribe or own Solar PV systems installed on a community-owned area.
- "Monthly net metering allows consumers to use solar power generated during the day at night, or wind from a windy day later in the month."
- "Annual net metering rolls over a net kilowatt-hour (kWh) credit to the following month, allowing solar power that was generated in July to be used in December, or wind power from March in August."
- "Net metering policies can vary significantly by country and by state or province."
- "if net metering is available, if and how long banked credits can be retained, and how much the credits are worth (retail/wholesale)."
- "Most net metering laws involve monthly rollover of kWh credits, a small monthly connection fee, require a monthly payment of deficits (i.e. normal electric bill), and annual settlement of any residual credit."
- "Net metering uses a single, bi-directional meter and can measure the current flowing in two directions."
- "Net metering can be implemented solely as an accounting procedure and requires no special metering, or even any prior arrangement or notification."
- "Net metering is an enabling policy designed to foster private investment in renewable energy."
- "This is particularly important with renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which are non-dispatchable (when not coupled to storage)."
- "Monthly net metering allows consumers to use solar power generated during the day at night."
- "Monthly net metering allows consumers to use... wind from a windy day later in the month."
- "Annual net metering rolls over a net kilowatt-hour (kWh) credit to the following month."
- "Most net metering laws involve a small monthly connection fee."
- "Most net metering laws... require a monthly payment of deficits (i.e. normal electric bill)."
- "Most net metering laws... [require] annual settlement of any residual credit."
- "Net metering can be implemented solely as an accounting procedure and requires no special metering, or even any prior arrangement or notification."
- "Net metering is an enabling policy designed to foster private investment in renewable energy."
- "This is particularly important with renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which are non-dispatchable (when not coupled to storage)."
- "Net metering policies can vary significantly... and how much the credits are worth (retail/wholesale)."