Is net metering right for you? Learn more about net metering for home solar systems.
Net metering is a utility billing process that allows members with distributed generation systems, like solar, to subtract the electricity generated at their home from what they use. This helps to reduce their monthly power bill. If the generation is more than the member’s entire electricity consumption during the month, Piedmont Electric will purchase that generation at a wholesale power rate. Excess generation beyond consumption is credited at $0.0347 / kWh.
No. With net metering, members will not receive a separate payment from Piedmont Electric for their excess generation. Instead, any excess energy produced will offset the member’s total electricity bill during the month. Excess energy will be credited on a separate line item (Net Metering Over-Generation) in the Detail of Charges section which will offset other billing charges. If the credit exceeds all the billing charges, the credit will be carried over to the next month.
Residential, commercial and industrial members that meet the requirements of Piedmont Electric’s Interconnection Policy are eligible to participate. The most common net metering members are residential members with solar systems that generate no greater than 25 kWh. A larger commercial or industrial member will have a different rate and set of charges. See Piedmont Electric’s Rates and Interconnection Policy for more information.
Yes and no. An appropriately sized solar system will provide most of the power a member’s home needs during the daytime, but at night and on cloudy days, it will not. Our electric grid will supply energy to our net metering members during the times their systems are not producing enough energy on their own.
Net metering has the potential to save homeowners hundreds of dollars on their utility bills every year. Unfortunately, this usually does not offset the high cost of installing their solar energy system.
Excess generation beyond consumption is credited at $0.347/kWh.
The bi-directional meter charge is $5.00/month.