Solar Net Metering

Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are made of semiconductor cells that convert solar radiation into electricity. There are two main types of PVsolar panel configurations that generate electricity for residential and/or commercial use. The first and more common type of PV installation is a grid-tied system where a building is connected to traditional power lines and can sell excess electricity back to the utility company (Net-Metering.

The less common type of PV installation is a stand-alone system where there is no connection to traditional power lines and excess electricity is stored for future use rather than being sold back to the utility company. These systems are typically more expensive and require more maintenance than a grid-tied system.

Because grid-tied solar panel systems are more commonly used in the United States, at least 40 states and the District of Columbia have programs in place that allow users to sell excess electricity back to their local utility company, which essentially turns the existing power meter backwards, giving the user retail credit for unused electricity produced. Below is a map of states that offer such programs.

The best source of net metering information is located at www.dsireusa.org. Below is a summary of national net metering information (2009, courtesy of the Interstate Renewable Energy Council).

*Alabama
* Mississippi
* Tennessee
* South Dakota
* Nebraska
* Texas
* Alaska