Turn your meter backwards
If you follow solar energy news, you have probably heard the claims that you can turn your meter backwards when you install solar panels on your property. Even if you are a “greenie,” you may find the claim dubious.
So we are showcasing a real-life example of how solar energy is literally creating a “negative” electricity bill for one person. He did it without extraordinary investment, on a modest residential property. There is a significant lesson to be learned here: you can do it too.
Net metering has become somewhat of a “buzz word” these days. This is particularly since renewable energy is gaining traction as not only good for the environment, but also helpful for your bottom line. With solar tax incentives abundant and generous, one might wonder why you wouldn’t invest in solar energy?
In this post, we’ll explore Jim Price’s solar panel results. His electric meter started going backward in mid-2008 after the installation. Taking a look at the digital display, Mr. Price watches it turn to the left, instead of the right. When it flashes zeros, Price knows that he is using less energy than generated by the solar panel system in his backyard. The excess power is pumped back into the grid as 100% clean, renewable energy – now available for his neighbors and other properties in his hometown.
Instead of $120/month electricity bills, Price is now enjoying a hiatus from these utility bills. Can you imagine a happier moment than opening the envelope each month?
Save lots of money on utility bills with solar panels
Jim Riggens, an Air Force retiree and environmentalist, helped bring the National Solar Tour to six sites in Santa Maria, as part of the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) national education and publicity campaign. Riggens asks the question about which so many of us around the world wonder:
“What struck me was why, in a place where you have so much sunshine, how few roofs have solar panels?”
As explored in a related post, many people think that solar panels are too expensive. But that is just one of the common myths about solar power. Really, folks. It is not experimental. Its not insanely expensive. And it can help protect you against rising power costs and provide a measure of safety.
Getting back to Mr. Price. Consider this: the retail price for a 4,400 watt solar panel system would have been $34,500. However, with city and state rebates, plus a $2,000 federal tax credit, the cost was slashed to $19,250. This does not take into consideration the increased value his home will gain as a result. For every $1 saved in annual electricity bills, there is a $20 gain in equity. Consider a $1000 annual savings, you can recoup the cost of a $20,000 investment immediately.
What is holding you back from turning your meter backwards? Isn’t this the year to go solar?
Tags: american solar energy society, national solar tour, net metering, solar energy, solar panels, solar power, turn meter backwards
October 5th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Fantastic post! This information should become common knowledge for everyone. In some states, net metering happens with utilities paying customers back for solar power ABOVE the price customers pay for fossil fuel power!
October 6th, 2009 at 12:21 am
That's right – there are some utilities that pay above fossil fuel rates! A great deal all around.
October 11th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Unfortunately the public is sooooo under educated in solar, like my dad used to say "you know just enough to be dangerous",,, with the 30% tax credit and the great incentives provided by most states these days,, solar PV (and even solar thermal) is not as expensive as everyone thinks it is, the only problem for most folks is indeed coming up with the initial cost of system components, (the installation of it I usually work out with the customer to get my money out of the state rebate(NY) which comes to me (the installer) and then I pass it along to the customer. Thanks for the post stephanie keep up the good work,, Regards,, NY Homesteader (Rich G.) .. http://www.nyhomesteader.com
May 6th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
My contention is that when the voltage coming from your wind turbine exceeds the voltage on the grid, your electric meter will turn backwards. Is this a true statement?
September 8th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
Can you do that just by plugin a genny into your generator outlet on your power box, and checking with your electric company to see if your meter will work
September 10th, 2010 at 10:41 am
who has the $20,000 to install this, when they already have trouble paying a high energy bill. It is unrealistic to the average person, struggling to make ends meet now.
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August 22nd, 2011 at 8:16 pm
HOW can someone who is interested in this technology become a vendor