What is Net Energy Metering (NEM)
Imagine your home as a small power plant, generating its own electricity from the sun. But what happens when you produce more energy than you use? That’s where Net Energy Metering (NEM) comes in. It’s a crucial program that allows solar customers to sell excess energy back to the grid, turning your solar panels into a source of income.
How NEM Works in Washington State
In Washington, the NEM program is designed to incentivize the use of renewable energy sources like solar power. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Excess Generation: When your solar energy system produces more electricity than your home consumes, the surplus energy is sent back to the electric grid.
- Metering: Your electricity meter tracks both the electricity you draw from the grid and the excess energy you feed into it.
- Billing: At the end of the billing period, your electric bill reflects the net difference between the electricity consumed and the excess energy generated.
- Credits: If you’ve generated more electricity than you used, you’ll receive credits on your bill, which can often roll over to future months.
- Annual Reconciliation: Typically, once a year, your utility company will reconcile your NEM account.
Why Solar Needs Net Energy Metering
Solar panels are amazing, they turn sunlight into electricity right on your roof. But here’s the thing: the sun isn’t always shining, and your energy needs change throughout the day. That’s where net energy metering (NEM) becomes essential to making solar work for you.
Think of it like this:
- Daytime Powerhouse: When the sun’s out, your panels often generate more power than you need. Without NEM, that extra energy would go to waste.
- Nighttime Needs: In the evening, you’re using lights, appliances, etc., but your panels aren’t producing. You need to draw power from the grid.
- NEM as a Bridge: NEM lets you send your excess daytime energy to the grid, and your utility company gives you credit for it. Then, at night, you use those credits to offset the power you draw from the grid.
The Benefits of Pairing Solar with NEM
- Maximizes Savings: NEM ensures you get the most financial benefit from your solar panels by letting you use your excess energy instead of wasting it. This leads to much lower electricity bills.
- Smooths Out Energy Flow: NEM helps balance your energy production and consumption, making your solar system more efficient and reliable.
- Reduces Reliance on the Grid: While you’ll still be connected to the grid, NEM allows you to significantly reduce your dependence on traditional energy sources.
- Environmentally Friendly: By using more of your self-generated solar power, you decrease your reliance on fossil fuels, reducing your carbon footprint.
Increase Your Solar Savings with Battery Backup
Want to take your solar energy system to the next level? Consider adding a battery backup system! This powerful combination not only enhances your NEM benefits but also provides several additional advantages:
- Energy Independence: A battery backup system stores excess solar energy generated during the day, allowing you to use it at night or during power outages. This reduces your reliance on the grid and provides peace of mind during emergencies.
- Increased Savings: By using stored solar energy during peak demand periods, you can avoid higher electricity rates and further reduce your energy bills.
- Enhanced Reliability: A battery backup system provides a reliable power source, ensuring your home remains powered even during grid disruptions.
- Smart Energy Management: With smart battery technology, you can optimize your energy usage, automatically switching between solar, battery, and grid power as needed.
How Does NEM Work With Batteries?
When you combine net energy metering (NEM) with a solar battery backup system, you create a dynamic duo that maximizes your energy savings and independence. Here’s how they work together:
- Solar Energy Generation: Your solar panels generate clean electricity during the day.
- Excess Energy Storage: Any excess energy that your home doesn’t use is stored in your battery backup system.
- NEM Export: If your battery is full and you’re still generating excess energy, that surplus is sent to the grid through NEM, earning you credits.
- Evening and Nighttime Use: When your solar panels aren’t producing enough energy, like in the evening or at night, you draw power from your battery instead of the grid.
- Peak Demand Management: Your battery can also be used to avoid drawing expensive electricity from the grid during peak demand times, further lowering your costs.
- Outage Protection: In the event of a power outage, your battery seamlessly provides backup power, keeping your essential appliances running.
Sunbridge Solar: Your Battery Backup Experts
At Sunbridge Solar, we offer a wide range of battery backup solutions to meet your specific needs and budget. Our experienced solar consultants will help you choose the right battery system, seamlessly integrate it with your solar panels, and ensure optimal performance.
Contact Sunbridge Solar today to learn more about how adding a battery backup system can enhance your solar investment.
Illustrative Case Study: Meet the Smiths
The Smiths are smart energy consumers who’ve taken full advantage of what Sunbridge Solar offers. They have a solar energy system and a battery backup installed on their property. Let’s see how NEM works for them with this added power:
- Sunny Afternoon: Their panels are producing 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. The Smiths’ home is only using 2 kWh at the time.
- Battery Charging: The extra 3 kWh first goes to charge their battery backup system.
- Full Battery, NEM Kicks In: Let’s say their battery is already full. Now, the remaining excess flows back to the electric grid, earning them NEM credits.
- Cloudy Morning: The next day is overcast, and the panels only produce 1 kWh. The Smiths’ household needs 4 kWh.
- Battery Power First: Instead of drawing from the grid, they use the energy stored in their battery to cover most of their needs.
- Minimal Grid Use: They might need to draw a small amount from the grid if their battery isn’t quite enough to cover the full 4 kWh.
- NEM Still Counts: Their meter tracks any energy drawn from the grid and any sent back on sunny days. The Smiths are likely to have a very low electricity bill, thanks to the combination of solar, battery, and NEM!
Key Takeaways:
- NEM allows you to use the grid as a virtual battery, storing excess solar energy for later use.
- You only pay for the net electricity consumed from the grid, after accounting for the energy you’ve contributed.
- NEM makes solar energy a more financially viable and attractive option for homeowners.
Take the Next Step with Sunbridge Solar
Ready to take control of your energy future? Contact Sunbridge Solar today for a free consultation. We’ll answer all your questions about solar and NEM, and help you get started on the path to clean, affordable energy.
With over 15 years of experience, we’re a top-rated solar company specializing in residential, commercial, battery backup, and off-grid solar solutions. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and environmental sustainability sets us apart.
Free Consultation
Don’t wait any longer! Fill out our free consultation form or call us at 360-313-7190 to learn more about how Sunbridge Solar can help you harness the power of the sun.
Remember, switching to solar is not just an investment in your home; it’s an investment in a cleaner, more sustainable future.
WA Solar Net Metering FAQs
How does solar net metering work?Â
Net metering allows you to send excess electricity generated by your solar panels back to the grid in exchange for credits. These credits offset the cost of electricity consumed from the grid when your solar panels aren’t producing enough, such as at night.
Does Washington state allow net metering?
Yes, Washington state has a net metering program that allows residential and commercial customers with eligible renewable energy systems to participate.
What are the disadvantages of net metering?
While net metering offers many benefits, some potential drawbacks include the potential impact on utility companies by shifting grid maintenance costs to nn-solar customers, a potentially reduced incentive for battery storage, and the complexity of understanding NEM program rules.
How do I read my net meter?
Your electricity meter tracks the flow of electricity both to and from your home. When your solar panels produce more than you use, your meter will “spin backward,” indicating you’re sending energy to the grid.
What is the maximum system size for net metering?
The maximum system size eligible for net metering in Washington is typically 100 kW for residential customers and 1,000 kW for commercial customers, but it’s important to confirm the specific requirements with your utility company.
Have more questions about net metering? Contact Sunbridge Solar today! We’re happy to help you understand the program and how it can benefit you.
