As more and more people in Kerala begin using rooftop solar systems, a large number of them are looking at ways to get the most out of solar energy. An important rule that helps make solar power more economically viable is called net metering. Residential net metering provides homeowners with an opportunity to use solar energy more economically and help reduce their utility bills at the same time. Knowing how net metering works can benefit homeowners in their decision making process regarding the installation of rooftop solar.
What Is Net Metering?
Net metering is the billing process allowing users of solar energy to return excess energy produced from the solar panels to the electricity grid. This system in Kerala operates in conjunction with Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).
When your solar panels create power during the day it will be consumed first by the appliances in your house while any excess energy produced will be sent out through the KSEB grid. A special bi-directional meter measures the energy you use from the grid as well as how much you exported to KSEB.
Once your billing cycle has ended, your exported energy is used to offset the total amount of energy consumed from KSEB resulting in a reduction of your final bill.
How Net Metering Works in a Residential Solar System
Net metering for residential solar customers in Kerala typically involves the following steps:
• The sun generates energy for your home via your solar panels during daylight hours.
• Your home first consumes the energy produced by your solar panels to power things like lights, fans, refrigerators, and air conditioners.
• If your solar system produces more electricity than your home needs, then the excess actually flows into the KSEB grid.
• The bidirectional meter keeps track of both the amount of electricity that you import from the grid and the amount that you export to the grid.
• Your monthly electricity bill is based on the net number of units that you use on a monthly basis.
This type of net metering system allows solar electricity to be used to its full potential without waste and gives homeowners the opportunity to take advantage of the financial benefits.
Benefits of Net Metering for Homeowners
In Kerala, net metering provides multiple benefits to homes that use solar energy. It enables owners of solar panel systems to make optimal use of their produced energy while lowering their reliance on electricity supplied from the grid.
A few examples of how homeowners benefit are:
– Reduced Electric Bills: A substantial portion of the household’s electricity is offset by the solar energy produced.
– Efficient/Effective Use of Power Generated: Any excess energy produced by the solar system is not lost, but instead sent back to the grid.
– Accelerated Return on Investment (ROI): The net metering process allows for a faster recovery of the investment that was made in installing the solar system.
– Reduced Dependency on Non-Renewable or Conventional Sources of Electricity: Homes are able to use solar energy rather than fossil fuel energy.
– Reduced Environmental Impact: Solar power produces no carbon dioxide emissions, allowing for a more sustainable method of living.
Due to these benefits, net metering is a significant contributor to the increase in the number of rooftop solar installations throughout Kerala.
Eligibility for Net Metering in Kerala
According to the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (KSERC) rules, homeowners who have grid-tied or on-grid solar can apply to get net metering. There are some guidelines that have been set in place for those who want to install a solar rooftop installation to qualify for net metering.
Some requirements are:
• Grid Connected Solar Installation.
• The capacity of the solar installation should in general not be greater than the sanctioned load of the building.
• A qualified solar installer needs to install your solar installation.
• The Electricity Board has installed a bi-directional meter.
Once the solar installations have completed the application process, the solar installation will also be part of the grid tied or on-grid network of solar, so the homeowner will be able to send excess power back to the grid.
Net Metering Billing Explained
Electricity bills under net metering are based on the net difference between how much electricity you imported and exported in any given period. If you have a solar system that has generated more than you used during this time, you might be able to carry forward the excess supply into the next period based upon local guidelines.
So, if you consume 400 units of energy each month, but your solar system exports 300 units back into the grid, your total amount owing will only be for the remaining 100 units because you have a net export of 300. Thus, your monthly electric bill will decrease significantly because you are only being charged for the remaining 100 units.
Over time, these savings add up to help recover the initial costs of a solar system more quickly.
Why Net Metering Is Important for Solar Adoption in Kerala
Kerala has great amounts of sunshine almost all times of the year so the state is a very good place to produce solar energy. It allows the homeowner (via net metering) to realize the greatest benefit from their solar system because when they use their roof-mounted system to produce their own energy, they also have access to the grid (for back up power for cloudy days) as an additional means to store and utilize their energy.
One makes use of excess energy produced from their solar system (when there is not enough demand) by sending that energy back to the grid and using the credit generated from that energy at a later time. This way solar becomes much easier to utilize and much more profitable for residential customers.
The continued growth of net metered solar systems on the roofs of homes in Kerala lowers the overall burden on the electric grid and helps the State transition to an economy that relies on clean energy.
Conclusion
Informed homeowners in Kerala understand that net metering is important as it makes rooftop solar systems an attractive investment option. Net metering lowers electric bills and helps efficiency by allowing residential solar customers to sell excess power back onto the grid to offset regular loads against purchased kilowatt hours.
Net metering combined with supportive legislation, ever-increasing traditional energy prices and advanced solar technology has provided an opportunity for homeowners to take another major step toward energy independence by installing a rooftop solar system with net metering in place. For those who want to lower their electric expense and contribute towards environmental sustainability, solar and net metering provide long-term financial and environmental rewards.
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