Net metering is one way to measure and value the output of member-owned generation. At SEC, net metering is an arrangement between the Cooperative and a member. Net metering allows members to install renewable fuel generation on the member’s premises and interconnect it with the Cooperative’s distribution system. This arrangement is intended to enable the member to meet all, or part, of their electricity requirements by using renewable fuel generation on their premises. The meter logs kilowatt-hours whenever the member uses more electricity than the renewable fuel generation equipment generates. Conversely, the meter credits kilowatt hours on the same meter when the meter generates electricity. The result is a month-ending meter reading that represents net use. 

Suppose the member uses more electricity throughout the billing period than generated. In that case, they pay only the net energy that they have received from the system, plus any fixed monthly charges provided by the rate schedule.

For a more detailed description of state net metering policies and links to the authorizing legislation, see the DSIRE database, a project of the Interstate Renewable Energy Council funded by the U.S. DOE and managed by the North Carolina Solar Center.

Please call SEC to let us know if you are considering net metering or battery storage in your home or business to ensure that all requirements are met for interconnection. Before purchasing and installing the renewable energy generation system, please complete the net metering interconnection form. Once filled out and turned in, we will contact you for a follow-up. An inspection appointment will be set to verify the system complies with the requirements for net metering.

The primary objective of net metering and battery storage are to offset the homes usage and provide a backup power source in case of a power outage. PV systems are sized to meet a home’s annual consumption, and any excess is carried over to the next month to accommodate the higher energy usage that occasionally occurs.

For a good resource for equipment sizing and energy savings for your location, visit the PVWatts Calculator.  
https://pvwatts.nrel.gov