Selling Solar Electricity: Real Experiences and Benefits

Many individuals and businesses are finding ways to generate a profit by selling the electricity produced by their solar panels back to the grid. This practice, known as net metering, can result in energy bill credits or direct payments. However, the experience varies widely based on location, energy policies, and system size. In this article, we explore firsthand accounts and insights into selling solar-generated electricity, with a focus on net metering and its impact. Let's delve into how this is going for various users and the benefits they derive from solar power systems.

Real Experiences and Insights

According to various reports and firsthand accounts, those who sell excess electricity from their solar panels typically do so through a process called net metering. This involves sending excess electricity generated by solar panels back to the grid and receiving credit or direct payments for it. The experience of these individuals is varied and can depend significantly on regional energy policies and the size of their solar systems.

Net Metering and Its Impact

One common question is whether individuals are making money by selling electricity from their solar panels. For many, the experience is more about reducing energy bills and gaining more flexibility with energy use, rather than generating significant financial returns. The world of net metering can be complex, but it offers a financial incentive for those who can generate excess electricity and sell it back to the grid.

Here are some real experiences and insights from individuals who have solar panels:

Insights from a Solar Panel User

Many users observe that they are paid for the electricity they generate, not for what they export to the grid. This is due to various energy policies and system designs. One user, for instance, mentions having a battery and an electric car, which means the grid gets very little in return for its power.

Another user reports generating about 3 kWh per day more on average than they use, with more generation in summertime and less in winter. However, their utility company does not reimburse them for this excess electricity; instead, it is kept as a credit that needs to be used or lost within a 12-month period. There is ongoing discussion about changing this policy, with some utility companies considering cash reimbursement instead of credits. But the user expresses skepticism about this change happening anytime soon.

Monetary Incentives vs. Energy Use Flexibility

Even if cash reimbursement for the accumulated kilowatt-hours (kWh) did become a reality, the amount reimbursed would likely be minimal. For example, accumulating around 1000 kWh in a year would only be worth approximately $44, which is not enough to get excited about. Therefore, the focus shifts from the monetary reward to the tangible benefits of having a solar system.

For many, one of the most significant benefits is the reduced monthly electricity bill. A user mentions paying just $2.50 monthly, including a minimum connection fee. They can use their electricity more freely without worrying about every watt used. This sense of freedom is described as being worth more than the small annual reimbursement.

The user enumerates how they use their electricity freely, such as running electric heaters and air conditioners when needed, illuminating the garden with LED lights at night, keeping the garden fountain running 24/7, and using powerful computers and a color laser printer for work. The kitchen even includes multiple large pumps powered by appliances. While some minor expenses (like leaving the office lights on) can add up, the overall benefit of not having to monitor every watt used far outweighs the financial gain from solar policies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the financial returns from net metering may be modest, the true benefits of a solar power system lie in the reduction of energy bills and the flexibility it offers in energy use. Those who have invested in solar panels often find that the peace of mind and freedom in managing their energy use are priceless.