We all know that solar energy is available in abundance and is also clean, green and cost-effective in the long run. So it has the power to produce more electricity than what can be consumed at a given time. The concept of net metering comes in here. Net metering solar energy helps to utilize any excess electricity that is produced by your solar system or panels. This unused energy is injected into the main grid, and later, you can earn credit for the same on your electricity bill.

The need to produce more energy
Think of the grid as a virtual storage unit where you can store excess power that has been generated from solar panels. The net metering solar arrangement helps you to record how much extra power you have exported. Later on, this extra power can be exchanged for the energy stored in the grid when needed. This arrangement helps the most when your solar panels are generating less power or not generating any power at all. This can happen at night and on cloudy days. This regulatory mechanism is known as net metering and the device that records the units of electricity exported and imported is called a bi-directional meter.

Benefits of installing net metering in India
In a country like India where the sun shines almost throughout the year, there is a good scope of producing an abundance of electricity using solar power. Given below are some benefits of installing  net metering in India.

  • Net metering allows you to use energy that is generated by solar plants when the sun is not available. Excess energy can be generated during daytime and can be used during the night or low sunlight hours.
  • By using this method, you can access more power than is produced by the solar plant. If your plant doesn’t generate enough electricity, you can use the extra power from the grid when needed.
  • Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan have robust net metering policies, where a net metering connection can be availed on systems under 1 MWp.
  • The application process for solar net metering installation is simple in India. You have to apply for the application at the local DISCOMs.
  • Net metering also helps commercial users to reduce their power bills because it can support the extra demand without increasing business power bills.
  • Net metering is an ideal solution for residential users in India if they wish to reduce their power bills and get a continuous supply of electricity.
  • Net metering also helps when the climate is rough. Since India gets a good amount of rainfall, the solar panels generate less during the monsoon season. In such a situation, the extra energy stored in the main grid can be utilized.

You will be glad to know that, at the end of each month, the consumer is billed only for the net imported energy. If there is any excess energy, it gets carried forward to the next month’s bill. Net metering solar arrangements have made the lives of people in India easier and more comfortable, when it comes to generating and utilizing electricity from solar energy.