Net-metering allows a member to offset their electric usage through on-site generation of electricity from sources such as wind and solar. In essence, net-metering allows a meter to spin forward when the member is a net user of energy or backwards when the member is a net generator of electricity.
At the end of the month, a net-zero home would have spun the meter backwards as much as it was spun forward, essentially metering zero energy usage.
The goal of net metering is to offset a houses usage. So a net-zero home is the goal when you are considering sizing of a net metering generating system.
Member's that are interested in owning their own generation resource are responsible for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the system. We assist with meeting state and company requirements and help you submit your Interconnection Agreement.
From you we will need the signed interconnection agreement containing a description of the equipment you will have interconnected as well as PDF documentation for that equipment.
Once your generating facilities have been installed the state electrical inspector will need to inspect your installation. Once your installation passes inspection, the inspector will notify us that your facilities have met all the necessary requirements.
Once we have the signed agreement along with the needed documentation and the inspector has notified us of your approved installation, we will install a net meter and then you may begin generating electricity.
Any month you use more electricity than you generate you will be billed according to the appropriate rate schedule.
Any month you generate more electricity than you use, the excess kilowatt hours are banked. Once you have bank kWh, any month you use more than you generate the banked kWh are used before you are billed for any more usage.
If you have any banked kWh at the end of the year CP&L will buy them from you at our avoided cost.