The adoption of solar power is on the rise, largely due to its environmental benefits and the significant potential to reduce electricity bills through an appropriately sized solar energy system. The amount you save is directly related to the energy your solar system generates. One crucial element that enhances these savings is net-metering.
Net-metering allows solar energy users to export excess electricity generated during the day back to the grid. This exported energy offsets the units of electricity imported from the grid, leading to lower overall consumption charges.
How Does Net-Metering Work?
Many rooftop solar system users face a common challenge known as generation-consumption mismatch. Typically, the bulk of solar energy production occurs during the day (usually between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) when overall consumption is relatively low. This surplus energy can go to waste unless it’s stored in batteries or fed back into the grid. By exporting this excess energy, homeowners can offset their increased grid consumption in the evening when solar production ceases but demand remains high.
Benefits of Net-Metering
- Reduces Your Electricity Bills:
An export-enabled solar energy system can significantly lower your electricity expenses by selling excess energy back to the grid. This billing mechanism accelerates the return on your solar energy investment. - Contributes to the National Grid:
Net-metered systems serve as a cost-effective source of green energy for grid operators. The government benefits from having these mini solar power plants without needing to invest in generation infrastructure, resulting in substantial fiscal and foreign exchange savings. - Encourages Industry Investment:
Net-metering enhances the value of rooftop solar systems by decreasing the payback period for investments, which fosters further investment in the solar sector. This influx of investment creates jobs for engineers, installers, researchers, electricians, and manufacturers.
Not All Solar Energy Solutions Are Equal
While the advantages of net-metering are clear, it’s essential to recognize that not all solar energy solutions offer the same benefits. Intelligent, data-driven solar systems can maximize the advantages of net-metering.
SkyElectric’s Smart Solar plus Storage System efficiently manages energy use, automatically adjusting based on tariff and policy information obtained through the SkyElectric cloud. The SmartFlow technology optimizes charging and discharging cycles to minimize energy costs. Furthermore, the system can export electricity during evening hours using its efficient lithium-ion batteries.
The hybrid nature of SkyElectric systems makes them more resilient to changes in government net-metering policies compared to battery-less, grid-tied systems. The lithium-ion battery bank enhances self-consumption of solar energy, reducing reliance on lower tariff export and helping to offset peak tariff units, which are often charged at elevated rates.
The Alternative Energy Development Board has classified SkyElectric Pvt Ltd. at the highest (V-1) category, allowing net-metering for larger solar systems of up to 1 Mega-Watt. Over 2,000 homes in Pakistan have adopted SkyElectric Smart Solar plus Storage Systems, benefitting from lower electricity bills each month.
Though implementing net-metering can be a complex process for smaller vendors, SkyElectric maintains a specialized department dedicated to managing net-metering, streamlining installation for customers.
Maximizing returns through net-metering is easy with SkyElectric. Transition to solar power today to produce your own electricity, lessen your dependence on the grid, and capitalize on the ability to sell excess power back.