Net Metering is simply a policy that enables electricity customers to connect their own on-site generation system to the utility grid and receive credits on their electricity bills for their own renewable energy generation in excess of their electricity consumption that is exported to the electricity distribution network. The term net metering refers to the fact that the meter can measure the flow of electricity in two directions and it is also known as power banking since the consumers can “bank” the power they generate within the utility system by feeding the grid when excess power is produced and consume power from the grid at a later time when their production falls below consumption. This form of energy exchange is especially useful for intermittent renewable energy technologies such as solar.
In most utilities’ net metering systems, if the customer generates more electrical energy than he/she uses from the utility electrical system he/she will not be paid for that energy, but the customer receives only a kWh credit, which is applied to future bills. Whether the customer gets paid for that excess energy fed into the system depends on the net metering rules in the jurisdiction. While many different renewable energy sources may be eligible for net metering credits, solar rooftop installations are the most common and popular type of renewable energy source promoted with net metering. Many states have passed net metering laws and policies which allows utilities to offer net metering programs voluntarily or as a result of regulatory decisions.
Standalone solar power known as an off grid solar power system. Which offers a great solution for those who unable to connect to a local electricity network. They are also an option for people facing high grid connection costs, or for those who are looking to be completely power independent (The energy produced is stored in batteries and the energy system isn't connected to the utility power grid)
An off-grid system is not connected to the electricity grid. Therefore, it requires battery storage. In an off-grid system a solar technician needs to design a system that has enough power generation and battery storage to meet the home’s requirements even in the depths of winter when there is not much sunlight. The current cost of batteries means that off-grid systems and comparatively more expensive than on - grid systems, and so are usually only found in remote areas that are far from any electricity grid. However, battery costs are coming down quickly, so there is a growing market for battery storage.
With hybrid and fully-electric car use on the rise, our thoughts have turned to solar charging systems to provide green energy to this new breed of vehicle. The result: The Solar sense all-in-one carport, solar PV generator and charging point is now available to businesses and homeowners.
A solar carport design will maximize both leasehold improvements and aid in energy reduction and independence with minimized expenses. Additional advantages when compared against the roof model are no roof penetrations or water protrusion points of concerns, or engineering costs regarding the age and integrity of the roof. Roof warranties and other building system logistics that are directly impacted with rooftop installations are of no consequence to solar carports.
Solar carports make great energy sense, they provide shelter to your vehicles (whether electric or not), provide green electricity to those vehicles that can use it, and avoid the need to run charging cables from your property. A 4kW carport can produce enough electricity for 12 – 16,000 miles per year and as they have a modular design multiple carports can be installed together to provide a commercial car parking solution.
