On a sunny day, depending on your energy consumption, your solar
electric system typically produces more energy than you use.
Rather than going to waste, this excess electricity is sent
back to the Utility, via Net Metering.
Net Metering (available only with grid-tied and grid-tied with battery backup solar electric systems) allows your meter to spin backwards so that you may "bank"
your energy for later use. You will receive credit for this power
at the same rate the utility sells it for. While you will receive
a monthly statement from PG&E, your actual electric bill will
only arrive annually. This bill will reflect the difference between
the amount of energy your solar electric system generated for
the year, and the amount of energy you consumed.
A properly sized solar electric system will generate only
as much energy as you need. In order for Net Metering
to be used, a series of steps need to be taken with the utility.
Independent Energy Systems will submit the net metering application,
coordinate the authorization necessary to connect to the utility,
and arrange for the final inspection of the system by the utility.
For more information on how Net Metering works for solar systems in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay areas, please contact us.
