Terminology Tuesday: Net Metering

Net metering is a policy that allows consumers who own renewable energy systems to sell their extra power back to the utility. So if a wind turbine or a solar power system produces more energy than a home or business can use, the excess will go back onto the grid and the utility must buy it at retail or wholesale rates.

And yes, some meters actually run backwards.

The paperwork to participate in net metering can be daunting and many renewable energy owners don’t even know the program exists. But more than 40 states have net metering programs, and federal law requires all state to consider adopting standards by the end of next year.

Go here to see if your state has net metering laws.