What is net metering?
Net metering is a billing arrangement used in the context of renewable energy, particularly with solar power systems. It allows individuals and businesses that generate electricity from solar panels or other renewable sources to be credited for the excess electricity they feed back into the grid.
Two Terms:
There are two terms in net metering:
- Exported Units
- Imported Units
Exported Units mean the amount of electricity that is fed back into the grid. For example, your solar panels are generating 2000 Watts of electricity and you are utilizing only 1000 Watts of electricity, the remaining 1000 Watts of electricity is sent to the grid this is called exported units.
Imported Units mean the amount of electricity that is taken from the grid or that is imported. For example, on a rainy day when sunlight is not available and your solar panels cannot generate electricity and you take electricity from the grid, this is called imported units.
What is a Bi-Directional Net Meter?
A bidirectional net meter, commonly known as a bidirectional or bi-directional meter, is a crucial component in the context of solar power systems. This specialized meter is designed to measure the flow of electricity in two directions: from the grid to the consumer’s premises and vice versa.
Key Feature Of bi-direction Net Meter:
The key feature of a bidirectional net meter is its ability to measure the flow of electricity in two directions—both from the grid to the consumer’s premises and from the consumer’s premises back to the grid.
1. Getting Electricity from the Grid:
When solar panels don’t make enough electricity (like on cloudy days), you get power from the regular electricity grid. The meter keeps track of this.
2. Sending Extra Electricity to the Grid:
When your solar panels make more electricity than you need, the extra goes back to the grid. The meter counts this too. That extra electricity is counted as credits by Net Metering policy which will be later provided to you as a reward for providing extra electricity to the grid.
These credits can be used when your panels don’t make enough electricity, so you don’t have to pay as much for power. This policy significantly reduces your bill by up to 60%, which is why net metering is beneficial to homeowners and businesses.
Learn More About Your Savings From Net Metering “Your Total Electricity Bill With Net Metering”.
Common Problems To Fix In Your Net Meter:
Below are the most common and also confusing problems that cause trouble for many un experienced home and business owners after going solar.
Net Metering Import Export Problem:
The main problem related to net metering is that the net meter does not show the export units it only shows the import units. There could be many possible reasons for this problem, I will discuss some of them with you.
Solution:
If you have installed your solar panels correctly the net meter is also connected properly and still, your net meter is only showing import units which means that there is an increase in the consumption of electricity in your house, to solve this problem you will simply stop the entire running power.
If you are not importing electricity from the grid and electricity is not consumed at that time the electricity that your solar panels are generating will be sent to the grid and the net meter will show you the reading of exported electricity.
Check Meter CT Ratio Problem:
The check meter CT ratio problem is also experienced by many people, in this problem the check meter is not showing the proper units of electricity generated by the solar panels. For example, your solar panels are generating 200 units of power or electricity and the check meter is showing 100 units or it may be possible that your solar panels are generating 200 units of electricity and the check net meter is showing 400 units, which means that there is CT ratio problem in the check meter.
Solution:
To fix this problem you have to set the value of the current transformer in the check meter or multifunction meter, in the current transformer there is a CT, and that CT has a CT ratio you have to set that CT ratio in the check meter or multifunction meter. If the CT ratio in the multifunction meter is wrong the multiply factor will also be wrong which will give you the wrong units.
How to check reading in the net meter:
When your net meter starts it will show you the time then it will show you the serial number (which is also written on the barcode). After this, the net meter will show you the net reading which is in KWh on one side of the net reading “N” is written, and on the other side there is a symbol of the net reading which is a complete circle inside this circle there are four parts at which the symbol of inductors and capacitors are present.
After this, the net meter will show you the imported units in KWh, the symbol of the imported unit is a semi-circle on the right side. Then the net meter will show exported units in KWh and its symbol is a semicircle on the left side.
Learn More About “The New Net Metering Policies 3.0“.
Conclusion Of The Article:
In Conclusion, this article is your go-to guide for anyone wanting to make the most of net metering, whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner. It’s a one-stop guide to enhance your net metering experience, solve common problems, and keep you up-to-date with the latest changes in net metering policies. By grasping the essentials of net metering and its real-life uses, you’ll unlock the full power of your solar system and enjoy its benefits to the max.