When you go solar, you’ll be able to generate your own clean power using energy from the sun. But, unless you install an off-grid solar system, you won’t be cutting ties with your utility company completely.
Most solar homes are tied to the grid and can purchase electricity from it, which means they need an electric meter to track what they buy. But solar homes can also send electricity to the grid. To keep track of the electricity you send to the grid, you need a special two-way electric meter for your solar panels.
If you don’t already have a two-way meter, you will need to change your electric meter when you install residential solar panels.
Standard one-way electric meters can only spin in one direction—forward. They keep track of the electricity you consume so your utility can bill you accordingly.
Two-way meters, on the other hand, can spin both forward and backward. They keep track of the electricity you take from the grid, like a standard electric meter, but they also keep track of the electricity your solar panels send to the grid.
Tracking the electricity you send to the grid is important because it allows you to participate in solar net metering.
Net metering is a solar incentive system that allows you to sell the excess electricity your solar panels produce to your utility company.
Solar panels produce a lot of electricity on sunny days. During the summer, when the days are long and bright, your solar panels will produce more electricity than you can use at once. The excess can either be stored in a solar battery or sent to the electric grid for net metering.
When you send your excess electricity to the grid, your meter will spin backward to track what you’ve sent. Your utility company won’t pay you cash for the electricity you send, but it will credit your account. When you need to buy power from the grid, you can use your net metering credit to pay for it.
With solar panel net metering, it’s possible to have a zero or even negative electric bill! It’s one of the best solar incentives out there, and it’s only available in a few states, including Massachusetts.
Switching your meter is just one of many steps in the solar installation process. But when you go solar with Boston Solar, you won’t have to worry about whether it’s getting done or not. We are a full-service solar company in Massachusetts, and we take care of the entire solar installation process for you, including installing your new electric meter. We will coordinate with your utility company to make sure your system is approved for grid interconnection, and we will make sure your bi-directional meter is installed correctly so you can participate in net metering.
With over 10 years of experience and 5,000+ solar installations, we are the leading solar panel installation company in Massachusetts. Whether you’re curious about solar and want to learn more or you’re ready to get started now, our expert team is here to help.
Start your solar journey today! Call 617-858-1645 or contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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