About Us
Netmetering.com: Resources for Interconnected Renewable Energy Systems and Distributed Energy
Netmetering.com: Resources for Interconnected Renewable Energy Systems and Distributed Energy
Netmetering.com: Resources for Interconnected Renewable Energy Systems and Distributed Energy
WELCOME to netmetering.com This site is an evolving resource on utility interconnected, or “grid-tied” solar electric or photovoltaic (PV), renewable electric systems, distributed energy assets and related topics. This encompasses net metering policies, technology, and interconnected renewable energy systems and events. Over time we will
WELCOME to netmetering.com This site is an evolving resource on utility interconnected, or “grid-tied” solar electric or photovoltaic (PV), renewable electric systems, distributed energy assets and related topics. This encompasses net metering policies, technology, and interconnected renewable energy systems and events. Over time we will be adding both material and functionality.
At present the site does have a selection bias towards the United States market. That's not to suggest that the practice of net metering or net metering policies don't have relevance elsewhere. It is simply a matter of how this has all started out.
Netmetering and Electric Generation
Netmetering.com: Resources for Interconnected Renewable Energy Systems and Distributed Energy
Netmetering.com: Resources for Interconnected Renewable Energy Systems and Distributed Energy
“Netmetering” or “net metering” is a term that is used in several different contexts in discussions related to renewable generated electricity.
In each of these the term "net metering" implies a system that is "grid-tied "or "interconnected" with an electric utility. This is in contrast with a "standalone", or "off-grid" system where the
“Netmetering” or “net metering” is a term that is used in several different contexts in discussions related to renewable generated electricity.
In each of these the term "net metering" implies a system that is "grid-tied "or "interconnected" with an electric utility. This is in contrast with a "standalone", or "off-grid" system where there is no connection to the electric grid. It also differs from those "behind the meter" system swhere the amount of electricity generated by the host site is not enough for the system to back feed, or export electricity to the grid.
In the context of energy policy “net metering” is used in a general sense to identify both the ability of utility customers to interconnect their renewable electric systems, and receive credit for electricity that is exported to the utility grid. As of April 2019, 45 states had net metering policies in place that require utilities to offer net metering to customers.
In the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT05; P.L. 109-58) Congress encouraged states to adopt net metering, defined in the law as "service to an electric consumer under which electric energy generated by that electric consumer from an eligible on-site generating facility and delivered to the local distribution facilities may be used to offset electric energy provided by the electric utility to the electric consumer during the applicable billing period."
By using the electric grid as a storage appliance, grid-tied systems are more financially viable in because unused production can be banked to be offset against future consumption. After all, there is a time component to electricity, that doesn't exist with other fuels such as natural gas. A kilowatt hour of excess production simply does not sit around until it is used later.
There are times when "net metering" is (mis)used to refer to only a situation in which the host-customer gets a 1:1 credit on his/her electric bill for electric production that exceeds consumption.
For many years the commonplace view of electric utilities is that net-metered systems can present integration challenges, and would likely produce instability. For the most part, this has not been born out in practice.
Virtual Netmetering
Netmetering.com: Resources for Interconnected Renewable Energy Systems and Distributed Energy
Net Metering & "Prosumers"
Frequently the term "Virtual Net Metering" is used in connection with "net metering". Think of this a a sub-type, rather than something wholly different.
This refers to grouping separate locations or accounts for net metering purposes. For example, if a business had 3 seperate electric accounts and had a renewable energy system conne
Frequently the term "Virtual Net Metering" is used in connection with "net metering". Think of this a a sub-type, rather than something wholly different.
This refers to grouping separate locations or accounts for net metering purposes. For example, if a business had 3 seperate electric accounts and had a renewable energy system connected to only one of them a virtual net metering policy would generally permit the customer to use excess generation from one account to offset electric charges incurred through the other two accounts.
Net Metering & "Prosumers"
Net Metering & "Prosumers"
Net Metering & "Prosumers"
Part of the significance of net metering is the window that it provides into the world of our distributed energy future. Net metering exemplifies a new player in the electric distribution grid - the "prosumer". Some also refer to prosumers by the term customer-generator.
The electric infrastructure that we have inherited was organized wit
Part of the significance of net metering is the window that it provides into the world of our distributed energy future. Net metering exemplifies a new player in the electric distribution grid - the "prosumer". Some also refer to prosumers by the term customer-generator.
The electric infrastructure that we have inherited was organized with a view towards a hub and spoke system, where electricity was generated in a central location and then conducted to the point of consumption - often at significant loss along the way. But in the age of the internet the notion of critical infrastructure depending upon one way connections seems less and less like a sensible way of organizing things.
Enter the "prosumer" - or in internet speak- a node. As a node on the grid, the prosumer role encompasses both consumption and production.
Arguably this, more than retail rate based compensation is what has brought net metering to become an increasingly prominent part of our discussions on energy.
The US DOE's Connected Communities Initiative - See "New Developments" below, represents yet another branch in the development of prosumers within our electrical infrastructure.
It's Not Just About Solar
Net Metering & "Prosumers"
It's Not Just About Solar
Frequently “net metering” is used in in the context of photovoltaic or solar electric systems alone. And there's a reason for this. According to the Congressional Research Service , as of 2018 solar photovoltaic (PV) systems accounted for ninety seven (97%) per cent of the net metered systems in the U.S. But it is technically feasible to
Frequently “net metering” is used in in the context of photovoltaic or solar electric systems alone. And there's a reason for this. According to the Congressional Research Service , as of 2018 solar photovoltaic (PV) systems accounted for ninety seven (97%) per cent of the net metered systems in the U.S. But it is technically feasible to interconnect net meter other types of systems. Notably these include small wind systems and micro-hydro systems. Less common types of systems for interconnection include combined heat and power (CHP) among others.
SOLAR PRODUCTION ESTIMATES
Estimate Your Solar Production with PVWatts
The National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) offers a free online calculator for estimating solar electric system production together with the value of that production. The calculator can be accessed here: https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/ This is a useful tool for those that are just developing an interest in solar energy, as well as professionals that are looking to generate a quick estimate for a possible net metered system.
It is important to recognize that, as with any tool, PV Watts has its limitations. Among these, it does not provide a reasonable financial forecast where (a) there is a time of use factor to the billing of electricity, (b) the host site is a commercial or industrial facility that pays additional electric charges based upon peak consumption.
Education & Training Opportunities
National Community Solar Partnership Update
April 22nd, 2020 - ASES & Solar Oregon - Free Solar Basics
April 22nd, 2020 - ASES & Solar Oregon - Free Solar Basics
April 22nd, 2020 - ASES & Solar Oregon - Free Solar Basics
April 22nd, 2020 - ASES & Solar Oregon - Free Solar Basics
April 22nd, 2020 - ASES & Solar Oregon - Free Solar Basics
What's not here
What We Don't Provide
Please note that one of the features that we do not currently provide is net metering application management. Periodically we receive inquiries from system owners attempting to provide notice to an electric utility. That's not a thing -at least through this site.
What We Don't Do
We also occasionally hear from a homeowner that one of "your" solar salespeople showed up on a doorstop uninvited. That's also not a thing - we don't have relationships with any firm not identified below as "Partners".
Our Partners
