Net Metering.  Your solar electric system will produce more power than you need at some times—such as a summer day when no one is home—and less than you need at others—such as a winter dinner party.  As a grid-connected system supplies electricity to meet your demand, “net metering” measures that supply and demand.

 

PG&E will credit the total amount of energy your system produces over the year against the total amount of energy your household consumes.  Net metering on a properly sized system can reduce your annual electric bill to zero, though PG&E may still charge you a minimum service connection fee.  Additionally, if you produce more power over that period than you consume, PG&E is now required to compensate you for that production.