Net Metering: An Eco-Friendly Policy That Allows You to Do Your Part and Earn a Little Extra Too: Renewable Energy Articles: Eco20/20

Net Metering: An Eco-Friendly Policy That Allows You to Do Your Part and Earn a Little Extra Too

As environmental awareness and consciousness continues to increase, many are wondering how they can do their part to reduce their impact on the environment and be part of the solution. There are many ways we can reduce our ecological footprint these days, and there are even ways that by doing so, we are contributing to the greater good, and even perhaps earning a bit of extra cash on the side. Does this sound far-fetched? Well it isn't. With renewable energy and net metering policies, this is entirely possible, right now, today!

We have an impetus to "get off the grid". Most of our electrical generation, at least within the United States, comes from either coal or natural gas, both of which are polluting, non-renewable resources. Coal is the most prevalently used fuel for electrical generation and even with improved "clean coal technologies", this is still a nasty way to produce energy. This has made many consider turning to home-based renewable power generation systems, so we can help to cut our ties with dirty industries that are contributing the our planets growing problems.

The prices of home-based systems are going down with each passing year, making them a more attractive, affordable option - one that will pay for itself in a reasonable amount of time, thus making it a sound investment. The options for types of electrical generation are seemingly endless too. No matter where you live or the climate in which you reside, there is a renewable energy solution that will work for you. Whether traditional solar or wind generation, or micro-hydro, or even geothermal, there is a technology that can provide for what you need.

So how does this contribute to the greater good and what on earth is net metering you might be asking. First off, let's explain the basic concept behind net metering.

Net metering is a policy, generally dictated by a state or local government that allows an integration of one's home-based renewable energy system into the overall grid. Basically, with net metering, you hook up with the grid, not the other way around. When our renewable energy systems are producing energy in excess of what we need to power our homes, net metering allows that excess energy to be transmitted from our homes to the grid to be made for use by other customers.

Home electricity meters already have the capability to run both forwards and backwards. When you are not relying on the grid, your meter will basically be stationary. However, if you have excess energy that is then sent back to the grid, your meter will actually run backwards. You will receive a monetary compensation at the end of a given interval (every month, 6 months, etc.) based on the number of kilowatt hours your home-based system produced for the grid.

This allows you to eliminate your dependence on dirty energy, while at the same time, offering excess clean energy to customers who would otherwise be using strictly dirty, non-renewable sources. And by selling your excess energy to your electric company, you can help reduce the time it takes to offset the initial cost of the installation of your home-based renewable energy system.

Many states already have net metering laws. Currently, 35 states have net metering laws, which allow you to sell your excess energy to your electric company. To find out if your state is one that already has laws in place, you can check out the specifics and details by going to DSIRE USA.

If your state is not listed as one that currently has laws in place to allow for net metering, contact your local state representatives or even consider starting a local petition to circulate where you ask for a ballot initiative to create a law allowing for net metering. Many states are happily jumping on board as this not only helps us, as a nation, reduce our impact on the environment by expanding the availability of clean and renewable energy options, it also doesn't have high upfront costs as most meters are already equipped to do the job.

When considering a home-based renewable energy system, be sure to look into your states laws regarding net metering. These laws allow you to sell your excess energy to your local energy producer which allows it to be used by that company's existing customers. This not only increases the availability of clean energy to those who might not otherwise have any way of obtaining it, while also putting money in your pocket, which will help your system pay for itself far faster.