Net metering works by allowing the grid to act as a giant battery for your solar power system. When the sun shines, the electricity produced will be used to power your home, and your electric meter will not spin. When you produce more than you use, the excess electricity will flow back to the grid, and your meter spins backwards. When you do not produce enough solar electricity for your home, your meter spins forward as it always has.

But What happens To the Extra Electricity?

If you produce more electricity than you use in any given month, a credit for this electricity can be carried forward. This balance will be used to offset extra usage in future months. For most houses in New England, this means that extra solar electricity generated in the summer can be used to offset electricity usage in the winter. Solar will generate as much as three times more electricity during long summer days than during the short days of mid-winter.

We love talking about all things related to solar, so please reach out to us or call us at (802) 649-3700 if we can answer questions and help you think about how solar can cover an ever-increasing share of your family’s power usage!