Net metering allows customers with solar panels to sell excess electricity back to the grid. It began in the 1980s and is now available in most U.S. states and some Indian states. Under net metering, energy usage is tracked with a bi-directional energy meter. When a solar system generates more energy than is used, it is exported to the grid. Any excess is credited to the customer's electricity bill. This incentivizes renewable energy adoption while reducing costs and environmental impacts from diesel generators commonly used for backup power in India. Future potential includes mandating net metering for all government buildings to further promote solar energy.
Related topics: