Net Metering Doubles in California
The State of California is to double the cap on solar energy production by net metering. Currently set at 2.5% of the states peak energy needs this will be raised to 5% if the bill finally becomes law.
Rooftop Solar Panel
The net metering policy will allow small solar energy producers, including home owners, to sell more of their excess electricity back to the utility companies.
Around 50,000 Business, Schools and Homeowners already participate in the scheme that effectively allows their meters to run backwards. Your solar installation is constantly producing electricity when the sun is shining but you are not always consuming that yourself. This excess can be effectively injected in to the utility grid for other consumers and business to use. In return your electrical meter runs backwards reducing your net electrical usage and thus the cost of your electricity.
This bill doubles the total amount of cleaner energy that can be sold and by the nature of solar energy most production takes place during the peak demand.
Do not think that in the future this would be raised to much higher percentages, there is the need for energy security and reliable means of energy production. Having too much irregular solar energy reliance could lead to energy shortages at such times when the sky is just a little bit more cloudy.
As it stands the levels may raise in line with technology advancements, in particular energy storage. There is no doubt that energy consumption will increase in the future. Such developments of electrical vehicles will need less oil and gas but more electricity. Utilizing the excess generation of business and homes might just prevent the need to construct more unwelcome coal fired power stations.
It`s definitely a win win situation, cleaner energy and a reduction in household utility costs. If your not getting paid for your excess solar energy then you are really missing out on free money.
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