What is Net Metering?

Net metering is an electric billing tool that uses the electric grid to store excess energy produced by your solar panel system. Under net metering, the energy your solar panels produce and you don’t use is credited back to you. When there is overcast or if it's the night when your panels aren’t producing enough energy or any energy, the utility grid will feed your home energy, and count that energy against the credits you’ve banked over time. As a solar customer, you will only be billed for your “net” energy usage. 

How Does Net Metering Work?

Net metering can usually be done with no changes to standard electricity meters. In the event the meter is not able to "rollback" a bi-directional meter can be installed, which accurately measures power in both directions and automatically report the difference, and because it allows homeowners and businesses to generate electricity at a different time from consumption, effectively using the grid as a giant storage battery. With net metering, deficits are billed each month while surpluses are rolled over to the following month.

What Fees Are There?

You should also keep in mind other fees associated with net metering. For instance, you may have to pay a connection fee. This is a monthly expense that you pay for connecting to the utility company's grid. It typically isn't much, between $20-30 per month, but it is an expense to keep in mind.

How Do I Take Advantage Of Net Metering?

Start by having an energy audit performed on your property by contacting Universal Contracting & Solar at (239) 321-5886 or email us at info@ucroof.com

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