It’s not only about nurturing your garden or catching some sun rays when the sun shines. Solar panels offer homeowners the chance to save money and also become mini-power stations. This is due to the net energy metering system (NEM) which combines the benefits of solar power with the fluctuations in residential electricity usage.
Net energy metering is like looking behind the curtain of a magician. You see the whole show, not just what’s on the surface. When you install solar cells on your roof they begin to harvest sunlight and convert it into electricity. The process is simple: the sun hits the solar panels and electricity flows to your home. This powers your appliances, keeps the lights on, and charges your batteries. These panels can produce more electricity than you need.
Net energy metering lets you send this surplus back to the grid, rather than wasting it. Imagine sharing a cup sugar with your neighbor. In this case it is green energy. This system has the added benefit that your meter will run backwards when your solar panels are in overdrive and you don’t use much electricity. It’s a great trick to pull at parties, isn’t it?
You will receive credit for every kilowatt hour of electricity your solar system sends to the grid. The credits can be used to reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills during periods when your solar panels are sleeping, such as on cloudy days or at night. The benefits go far beyond the wallet-friendly.
At a macro-level, net energy metering sprinkles some magic dust onto our energy grids. It reduces our grid’s load and dependency on fossil fuels by re-introducing surplus renewable energy into the system. The result is a healthier, happier planet with fewer carbon dioxide emissions.
The energy exchange also encourages resilience in the community. It’s as if a community has a small power station at its disposal when multiple homes within a neighborhood produce surplus energy. Decentralized energy production helps to protect the local grid from power outages by providing a little extra power.
Adopting net energy meters isn’t nearly as difficult as wrestling with an alligator. It’s like dancing with local regulations, and utilities who often provide incentives and support to solar adopters. It’s always exciting to watch your electricity meter go backwards.
Net energy metering is a little like having an account that grows each time you choose not to spend any money. The energy you do not use immediately is saved as credits. This allows you to save money for rainy (literally!) days. Each kilowatt hour is a coin that you can put in your renewable energy piggybank. This will not only help to reduce costs, but also create a sustainable legacy.
Net energy metering doesn’t mean you have to be in the sun all day. It works because of the intricate and beautiful balance between your home’s energy grid and you. We all get to enjoy the sunrise with more energy to share and save. Next time you have a sunny day enjoy it, think about how you can use that sunshine to not only provide light and warmth but also contribute to the energy solutions of your community and household. Let’s put the sun to work in many ways!