What is it and how does it work?
Residential solar power systems are becoming more attainable, and more homeowners are exploring solar panels as an additional source for powering their homes. The amount of electricity produced by solar panels depends on several factors, including your location’s sunlight exposure and the number of panels installed. In many cases, solar panels can generate an adequate amount of electricity to power your home.
WHAT IS NET METERING
Highline Electric Association offers a net metering program, which compensates solar owners for the energy the system produces. If a solar system generates more power than the home requires — typically during peak sunlight hours — the additional energy is fed back into the electric grid. In return, the homeowner will receive a credit on their energy bill, and potentially accumulate kilowatt-hour credits towards their “bank” for the excess energy. This billing arrangement is known as net metering.
HOW DOES HEA KNOW HOW MUCH TO CREDIT FOR THE EXCESS POWER
When solar panels produce less electricity than the home requires, the electric meter runs “forward,” just as it would on a home without solar panels. But when the solar system generates more electricity than needed, the electric meter runs “backward,” and the excess power is sent back to the grid. At the end of the billing cycle, you are charged for the net total energy used from the electric grid.
It is important to understand that the amount of electricity you use does not include the full cost of maintaining grid infrastructure that supports your home year-round. This is why you will typically see charges in addition to net use that help maintain reliable electric service, such as grid infrastructure maintenance, transformer upgrades, and system monitoring and balancing.
Net metering can lower your bill throughout the year. As solar production is typically higher during summer months and lower during winter months, net metering allows solar system owners to earn credits and accumulate an energy “bank” during the high-production months. You can use those credits later in the year when solar production is lower.
WHO USES THE EXCESS POWER GENERATED BY THE SOLAR SYSTEM?
The electricity produced by solar does not go directly to your neighbors. The power flows back to the local grid managed by HEA. We then apply the credits for any excess power you have contributed.
While generating electricity from the sun and sending excess power back to the grid is an exciting opportunity, it is important to thoroughly research the details before installing solar panels or any other type of small-scale renewable energy system.
HEA members who install solar and participate in net metering will need to submit an application, provide system design and specifications, sign an interconnection agreement, and get the completed system inspected by their state electrical inspector.
Work with a reputable solar vendor to ensure generation estimates are realistic and that your home is equipped for the system. HEA can recommend local
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Dennis Herman is the General Manager of Highline Electric Association. HEA’s mission is to provide our members with reliable, high-quality electricity and other needed services, which will improve their economic and social well-being and provide significant long-range benefits for our communities, our state, and our nation.
