TYPES OF METERING FOR ROOFTOP SOLAR
Solar power is becoming increasingly popular in India. As more and more solar companies are emerging, solar plants and solar power have become more accessible. Apart from this, because of heightened awareness about global warming and the visible impact of climate change, people are moving towards solar power. When it comes to solar companies in India, they offer several a range of solar solutions including installation of the rooftop solar plant, and more.
As an added advantage for rooftop solar plant owners, the government along with solar companies has announced a new system called net metering. Under this system, the excess solar power that is generated at the solar plant can be sent to the grid (run by either the government or solar companies). The owner shall receive money in exchange for the exported solar power.
At the grid, there’s a unique type of account, where usage and total production/surplus is calculated. At the end of the month/period, if the account reflects surplus, then the amount will be credited into the owner’s account and if the usage is more, then the owner will have to pay for the solar power used. Alternatively, they may also adjust it in the next billing cycle. In net metering, both – import and expert are considered together for calculation.
Gross metering:
There’s another type of metering offered by several solar companies – gross metering. Under this method, the power generated and consumed is not linked and thus, treated independently. Two separate meters are installed for calculation. One to calculate the consumption and one to calculate the power generated. The entire power generated at the solar plant is sent to the grid, and the total consumption is calculated separately, unlike net metering. The solar companies in charge have the flexibility to charge at two different rates.
In India, net metering is more popular than gross metering and is widely used by solar companies across the country. The reason why net metering has pushed solar power is because of its advantages. They are as follows:
Extra income: Needless to say, most household rooftop solar plants generate more solar power than they consume. As a result, there will always be a surplus, and hence, the solar plant becomes an additional source of income.
Sustainability: The impact of our electricity usage on the environment is not hidden anymore. We all know that moving towards a sustainable future requires masses to adapt solar plant power. Net metering allows even those who don’t have a rooftop solar to use solar power through the grid. Hence, net metering promotes sustainability, while making solar power more accessible.
Preserves natural non-renewable energy resources: there are several reports that suggest if we keep using non-renewable energy resources at the same rate as now, then we won’t have any left for the coming generation. Moreover, the impact of that on climate is going to be detrimental. But if we use solar power, then we may be able to preserve the remaining natural resources.
Inexpensive way of using solar power: The cost of rooftop solar installation may not be feasible for everyone. However, with net metering, now more people can use solar power through the solar plant.
If you want to know more about net metering in India or the different solar solutions offered by several solar companies in India, then reach out to an expert. If you have any queries regarding net metering in India, we’re here for you. Reach out to us now.
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