The benefits of going solar can range from the obvious to the surprising.
In 2020, solar energy accounted for 3% of the electricity generated in America. This may sound like a small number, but it’s a sign of a growing industry and an openness to approach our energy usage in a different way.
If you’ve been thinking about going solar, you’ve probably been a bit overwhelmed by the up-front cost of installation. Fortunately, in addition to the prices dropping, there are numerous ways to lower the cost of solar electricity.
Today, we’re going to discuss net metering by telling you how it works and how you can take advantage of it to hit the break-even point on your solar panel installation even faster. Keep reading and learn about one of the fun ways that solar energy can earn you some extra money.
What Is Net Metering?
When you install solar panels on your property, you’ll get to take advantage of net metering. This is a credit system that gives solar owners the chance to lower their bills and even earn cash simply by generating energy with their solar panels.
If you get a big enough solar panel system, you’ll be able to fully cover the energy usage of your household and then some. That extra energy that you create will go back into the power grid.
A home that is net metered will see its electricity meter run backwards to credit at times when your electricity usage exceeds the output of your panels. It results in lower monthly bills, which can give you tens of thousands of dollars of savings over the lifespan of your solar panels.
Using Net Metering to Break Even
Along with tax credits and rebates, net metering is one of the most important solar incentives we have. It can shorten the payback period for solar panels drastically and works to offset the upfront cost that scares a lot of potential solar owners away.
Most states have passed bills requiring utility companies to take part in net metering programs. The states that don’t yet have it include South Dakota, Tennessee, Nevada, Maine, Arizona, Indiana, Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama. Texas and Idaho have voluntary utility policies rather than enforced ones.
Finding the Right Installer
If the benefits of net metering are going to work for you, it helps to get the best solar panels from a top solar panel company. You can consult with a solar panel installer in your area to get a sense of how many solar panels you might need to cover your energy usage.
Solar panel quality is also important. Make sure to look at ratings and reviews to ensure you’re getting panels that are as efficient as possible.
Installing Solar Panels Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
With things like net metering, the federal ITC, and other incentives in place, installing solar panels doesn’t have to break the bank. As long as you can come up with the money to install them, you’ll break even on your solar panels within the first 10 years. Everything after that is just savings.
If you found this post helpful, visit us again for more on tech and the environment.
