If you're a homeowner, then you've probably heard of the term "net metering." But what is it, and how can it benefit you?

Net metering is a regulatory policy that requires electric utilities to purchase excess electricity generated by renewable energy systems, like solar panels, at the same price they would pay to purchase electricity from the grid. This policy helps homeowners offset their energy costs by generating their own power, and allows them to sell any excess electricity back to the grid.

When you switch to solar energy, you’ll have an electric meter that works both ways.

A. It will show the utility company how much energy you consume when your solar panels aren’t generating electricity (like at night).

B. It will show how much energy your solar panels generated during the day. So, at the end of the month or year, you’ll only pay for the net amount of electricity. Whatever you produce will subtract what you use.

Depending on what the net metering program looks like in your area, you could get paid for selling your excess energy.

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