Going solar is great for your lowering your energy use and your bill. But in Massachusetts, you might be wondering how our shorter winter days will affect your energy production. While it is true that our winter days will generate less energy, which may then require you to use more energy from the grid, net metering is a great way to offset those costs while being green and reliable.
What is Net Metering
Net metering is the process of selling excess energy generated by your home solar installation back to the grid. While your home is running on 100% solar, there will be days you generate more energy than your home needs. With Massachusetts’ net metering policy, you can rack up net metering credits in the summer months when more daylight hours mean more sunlight. Those credits come into play when winter comes, and solar energy generation diminishes. You will likely use more energy from the grid, and your net metering credits will offset these costs to help you save.
Maximizing Net Metering
To save more energy, use less! A home that runs on solar is already more efficient, but to make your efficient energy earn you money, you’ve got to use less to save more. There are tons of easy ways you can reduce energy use at home, like insulation, and weather stripping for windows and doors, to keep cool air in and hot air out. Turning off lights in unoccupied rooms, and using ceiling fans to use your A/C less—one of the biggest drivers of your energy bill.
Solar and Net Metering in Massachusetts
Turn our New England summer sun into pay days with net metering. With the ever-increasing costs of traditional energy, net metering is a great opportunity to reduce the cost of going solar, lower your carbon footprint, and help reduce strain on the electric grid.
In Massachusetts, all regulated utility companies offer net metering programs for solar customers. That includes the big three: National Grid, Eversource and Unitil.
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