Net Metering: An important feature of a grid-tied solar system

We have understood the various types of the solar PV systems in the article, The different types of solar PV systems. The feature of Net Metering is available for Grid- tied solar PV system. In this, the solar power system is connected to the grid supply and it runs on solar energy as long as there is enough energy available from the sun during the day.

During night or when there is very less solar energy (due to clouds, haze etc), the system shifts to the grid supply to meet the load requirement. If during the day, when the energy production is more than the load requirement, then this excess or surplus energy can either be stored in the batteries or it can be transferred or sold to the grid.

Understanding the concept of Net Metering

Net metering is an agreement between the owner of solar PV system and the utility company, in which the owner sells the excess energy to the utility company and buys the deficit the energy from the utility company. The net energy exchange is tracked by the bi-directional meter.
If in a day, the energy produced from the solar panels is less than the load requirement, then the deficit energy is imported from the grid supply. The bi-directional meter moves forward and the owner are charged for the deficit amount. Similarly, if in a day the energy produced from the solar panels is more than the load requirement, then the excess energy is exported to the grid, the bi-directional meter moves backwards and the owner is credited and is paid accordingly.

Indian states which adopted net-metering

The following states of the country have adopted the Net Metering concept:

• Delhi
• Karnataka
• Andhra Pradesh
• Bihar
• West Bengal
• Gujarat
• Maharashtra
  
• Kerala
• Punjab
  

Benefits of net-metering

An individual can generate the solar power for personal consumption and transfer the excess power to the grid. The bidirectional meter records the net of energy, which is transferred to the grid and received from the grid, for the purpose of billing.
Net Metering offers the following benefits:

• The government need not to search for suitable or extra land for solar PV installation as the residential space of the individual is already available and is utilized for producing the power.
• The owner gets benefited financially. The net surplus energy is transferred to the grid and the units get credited to the owner’s account and which are finally adjusted in the bill or paid. In case of net deficit energy, the owner has to pay only for the deficit units at the end of the billing cycle.
• The owner need not to keep batteries to store the excess energy, the surplus energy is sold to the grid and can be imported when required. Thus, it helps in avoiding the extra cost of batteries and their maintenance.
• It will help in protecting electric grid from overloading. During summers, when the overall load increases, it puts extra burden on the grid supply which results in burning of the transformers, wires etc, this increases the maintenance cost of the electricity department. The load sharing by solar PV systems by supplying surplus energy through net metering will prevent grid from over loading.

The net metering concept will create a demand for new solar energy systems, which in turn will generate more job opportunities for installers, electricians and the manufacturers.

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