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Net metering is a policy that lets you get credit for the solar electricity you produce but don't use right away. Learn more about this important concept and how a solar installation works with the electrical grid to save you money.

If you’re thinking about going solar, you might be wondering how you’re supposed to keep your home powered when the sun isn’t shining. Thanks to a policy called net metering, you don’t have to worry about your home going dark.

When the sun is shining during the day, your solar panels will make lots of electricity. If you’re making more than you need, your electric meter will run backward, because you’re actually sending that excess energy back to the grid. In exchange, your utility gives you credits on your electric bill for all the power you sent them.

Then, at night, when your panels aren’t producing electricity, you can use the credits you’ve stored up to get electricity from your utility and power your home. If your panels haven’t produced enough energy to meet your needs, don’t worry! You can always buy the extra from your utility.

Don’t expect to get a check in the mail if you produce more solar power than you need. In most cases, you’ll get credits on your bill, but your utility won’t pay you for them. The specifics of net metering depend on your utility company, and we recommend you call them for further details.

Resources:

How net metering works with solar: http://bit.ly/2MuJ1XT
How solar energy works: http://bit.ly/2w7wtev