Your home is still connected to your utility, even if you have a solar system. During times when your home solar system cannot meet the energy needs of your home (at night, during times of lower production, etc.), you will need to pull electricity from your utility.
Why isn’t your solar system enough? Your home solar system was likely sized based on your historical electricity usage, along with factors like roof space and budget. If your current usage is higher than what the system was designed to offset, you’ll draw more electricity from the grid and your bill will likely increase.
How does Net Metering work?
Net metering measures the electricity you receive from your utility, as well as any excess energy your home solar system sends to your utility. Your utility will supply your net meter to keep track of what you consume from and export to the grid. Some customers may receive credit for exported energy to help offset the cost of the utility electricity you consume.
Net metering is not available in all markets. We recommend you check with your local utility before going solar.
Understanding your energy meters and bills
You will have two energy meters and therefore two monthly statements. SunStrong will provide you with a solar meter to measure your solar production, and your utility will provide you with a net meter. Net metering may appear on your utility bill in its acronym form, NEM (Net Energy Metering).
Your electricity needs will vary based on your usage, the energy efficiency of your home and other factors. Your solar system’s production will vary based on weather and other factors. SunStrong makes no guarantees regarding credit for net energy exported to the electric grid, and any credit provided (now or in the future) is subject to change or termination by executive, legislative or regulatory action.