| One of many good ways to save energy (and | | | | If, at any time, his solar panels are producing |
| money) is to use home solar panels and a | | | | more electricity than his home is using, the |
| practice called "Net Metering." | | | | excess electricity is automatically fed back into |
| Net Metering involves the process of creating | | | | the electrical grid, and redistributed by the power |
| solar energy to power your home, and then | | | | company. The amount of electricity which has |
| feeding any excess (un-used) solar power back | | | | been fed back into the electrical grid is measured |
| into the power grids - often resulting in a | | | | on the meter right there in his home. The home |
| payment or reduction of electrical bills. | | | | owner is then "paid" or credited for that electricity. |
| What is Net Metering?Net Metering is the practice | | | | How to Find Out About for Net Metering in Your |
| of consumers "selling" energy to the electricity | | | | AreaNet metering is usually done through your |
| companies when they have some form of | | | | power company. You should check directly with |
| renewable energy facility installed at their home | | | | your power provider. |
| and a surplus is created. | | | | One thing you should know is that many states |
| A good example of this would be the case of a | | | | have laws which provide for this system. In other |
| home owner who owns solar panels or uses a | | | | words, some states have laws in place which |
| wind turbine. If his solar panels or wind turbine | | | | require the power company to buy your excess |
| generate more electricity than he consumes, the | | | | electricity, should you generate it through |
| excess electricity is fed into the electrical grid, and | | | | renewable energy sources. You will probably not |
| the power company buys the electricity from him. | | | | run into any problems with your energy |
| This practice is a result of green energy policy. | | | | companies, as most states have laws that |
| Though its not generally known, its not a new | | | | demand a certain percentage of green power |
| thing. | | | | production. |
| Why is it Called Net Metering?The term "net | | | | So using this system is convenient for them as |
| metering" is a combination of the words "net" and | | | | well, and any green energy you produce can be |
| "metering." In this context, the word "net" means | | | | counted on their quota. It's one of many good |
| "what remains after deductions" and "metering" | | | | ways to save energy - and and to save money |
| refers to the measurement of electricity using | | | | as well. By using solar power, you reduce the |
| your home's electricity meter (which is normally | | | | need for polluting fossil fuels which harm the |
| used to calculate your energy bill). | | | | environment. |
| How Net Metering WorksLets take the example | | | | Net metering is not only good for the |
| of a home owner who has installed solar panels as | | | | environment, but good for your bank account as |
| a clean renewable energy source on his home. | | | | well. |