I've heard from a friend of mine that if you own a business that runs off solar power or any other renewable energy resource and you exceed the limit you need, you can put the energy back into the grid and receive credit money?
Is this true?
The reason I'm curious is because it seems like most businesses that have decided to take the approach of using solar panels to power their locations always have an excess. So if that's the case and they're always plugging energy back into the grid, why haven't electric companies themselves made this step forward yet?
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0
Quick question
Started by JBMedia, Jun 07 2012 07:49 AM
10 replies to this topic
#2
Posted 07 June 2012 - 10:29 AM
This is true in California. Individuals and business can sell back to the grid.
It appears they the electric companies haven't embraced this entirely. In California, at least, you can only sell a certain percentage back to the grid (11%, I think). There was legislation this Spring to raise that percentage because people would really like to sell all the excess back to the grid. I think they are still debating the legislation.
I imagine the electric company thinks this cuts into their profit. But, since they buy electricity from outside companies, you would think that they wouldn't care where it comes from.
It appears they the electric companies haven't embraced this entirely. In California, at least, you can only sell a certain percentage back to the grid (11%, I think). There was legislation this Spring to raise that percentage because people would really like to sell all the excess back to the grid. I think they are still debating the legislation.
I imagine the electric company thinks this cuts into their profit. But, since they buy electricity from outside companies, you would think that they wouldn't care where it comes from.
#4
Posted 07 June 2012 - 12:51 PM
JBMedia, on 07 June 2012 - 07:49 AM, said:
Is this true?
It's true in most states in the US, to some degree at least.
Usually called "net metering." The details vary considerably depending on the state and utility..
See http://apps3.eere.en...ering_map.shtml
See http://en.wikipedia....ki/Net_metering
#5
Posted 07 June 2012 - 05:46 PM
In most states the answer is a yes. It depends on the local utility and if they are going to offer a net monitoring service or not. If they do this, then you can put it back into the grid. If they do not, you may put it back in, but still have to pay each month!
#6
Posted 09 June 2012 - 04:13 AM
Thank you all for the information on this subject. It's really quite ridiculous that they would make you pay to put back in the grid. Just take it for free.. Seriously. Oh well, what can you do these days. I will say I've noticed more people thinking about opening businesses and using solar to power it as of recent, which got me to thinking on this subject.
#8
Posted 11 June 2012 - 03:56 AM
JBMedia, on 07 June 2012 - 07:49 AM, said:
I've heard from a friend of mine that if you own a business that runs off solar power or any other renewable energy resource and you exceed the limit you need, you can put the energy back into the grid and receive credit money?
Is this true?
The reason I'm curious is because it seems like most businesses that have decided to take the approach of using solar panels to power their locations always have an excess. So if that's the case and they're always plugging energy back into the grid, why haven't electric companies themselves made this step forward yet?
Is this true?
The reason I'm curious is because it seems like most businesses that have decided to take the approach of using solar panels to power their locations always have an excess. So if that's the case and they're always plugging energy back into the grid, why haven't electric companies themselves made this step forward yet?
#9
Posted 11 June 2012 - 01:36 PM
FamilyTreeClimber, on 09 June 2012 - 09:55 AM, said:
In my area, there are schools and other facilities putting in solar panels. It would be great if they could sell back all their excess to help put some money back into the school budget.
I agree, as schools always seem to be short of funding and are cutting programs or positions. Being an educational institution, one would think they would embrace the concept of teaching students about renewable energy by implementing a system of their own.
#11
Posted 13 June 2012 - 02:50 PM
In most cases you can sell back. If you don't have a net meter, the normal one will charge you for the amount you use AND the amount you send back. It doesn't know which direction energy is flowing!
My utility allows me to sell back and will credit my bill. If I generate more in a year than I use, the net is refunded at two thirds the retail rate.
Contrary to popular opinion, it is not the oil companies that are trying to kill alternatives, it's the energy providers. My utility keeps trying to amend the law so they can count hyrdo as alternative to meet thier mandates. Their power provider pays about $20 million a year to a wind farm NOT to produce energy because we have too much when the spring runoff and fall rains keep hydro running. Consumer owned solar also cuts into both companies profits.
My utility allows me to sell back and will credit my bill. If I generate more in a year than I use, the net is refunded at two thirds the retail rate.
Contrary to popular opinion, it is not the oil companies that are trying to kill alternatives, it's the energy providers. My utility keeps trying to amend the law so they can count hyrdo as alternative to meet thier mandates. Their power provider pays about $20 million a year to a wind farm NOT to produce energy because we have too much when the spring runoff and fall rains keep hydro running. Consumer owned solar also cuts into both companies profits.
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