Net Metering In New York State

How Does Net Metering Work?

In a traditional net metering model, your solar system will be connected to the grid via your utility meter. At any given point if your home uses more electricity than your solar system produces, your homes electricity will be supplemented from the grid. However, if your solar system produces more electricity than what is being used that electricity will be sent to the grid and you receive a credit with your utility company that offsets future withdraws from the grid. 

What Happens At Night?

Net metering allows your solar system to fully power your homes energy needs both night and day, by sending excess energy generated by your panels during the day to the grid to compensate at night for when your panels won’t be generating any power. Think of the excess electricity generated during the day “spinning your meter backwards” to offset the power withdraw from the grid at night. 

What Size Of A System Should I Install?

A photovoltaic engineer should design a system to fully meet the needs of your home. A PV Design Engineer can do this by looking at the historical usage of the home over the past 12 months to design a system matching the home’s needs -taking into account seasonal fluctuations. Since solar credits roll over month to month, a sunny summer can help cover a home during a rainy fall! 

Bonus Tip: Don’t let larger companies sell you on a cookie cutter system that is closest to your home’s energy needs, each solar system should be specially designed for the home!