With net metering you earn credit for every kilowatt hour (kWh) your solar energy system is producing. Any time your solar electric system is producing more power than you’re using, the excess will help power the utility company grid. When this happens, you can actually watch your meter spin backwards as you earn credit for every kWh you’re sending to the grid. When your solar panels are not generating enough power to meet your needs, electricity will come from the utility company just as it always has.
Net metering has improved the efficiency and reduced the cost of solar energy by allowing solar power producers to trade kilowatt hours (kWh) with the utility company. With net metering, a qualified solar installer can help you design a system to offset part or all of your electric charges.