Yash
A net meter is a device that allows the bi-directional flow of energy between the solar power system and the grid.
It also keeps records of the net energy consumed by the user.
It is used in the On-grid solar power system.
How to read the net meter bill?
It gives you the net energy consumption for a period.
And you get the bill for this net consumption.
Let us understand with an example:
Assuming a consumer has installed a 5 kW On-grid solar power system on the rooftop.
He also has installed a net meter to track his energy consumption.
On a particular day, the sky was clear and the sun was shining.
The 5-kW solar power system generated 25 units or 25 kWh of energy.
1 unit = 1 kWh
Out of this, the consumer’s family used 15 solar units in the day.
The unused units are 10 units (25 -15).
Those unused 10 units were fed (Exported) to the grid through the net meter.
At night when the solar was not working.
The family imported 18 units from the grid to meet their energy needs.
We can calculate the net consumption as follows:
Net consumption = Import from the grid – units Exported by the solar
= 18 units – 10 units
= 8 units
Assuming 1 grid unit = Rs. 7
The energy bill on that particular day would be:
Per unit grid rate x net consumption
= Rs. 7/unit x 8 units
= Rs. 56
In this way, it gives you the net consumption of the user.
Hence named “net meter”.
Benefits of Net meter
It offers many benefits to its users.
1) No need for battery storage
Once the solar power system is commissioned on the rooftop, it starts making electricity continuously throughout the day.
It is good that you enjoy the smooth electricity and run the electrical appliances of your home.
But there are times when some of the solar electricity remains unused due to xyz reasons.
This would go to waste if you do not have a storage mechanism such as batteries.
The batteries are costly and they add to the cost of the solar power system.
But if you have the net meter mechanism then these unused solar units are fed to the grid through it.
And you will be compensated for that. Therefore, it eliminates the need for energy storage and feeds the extra units to the grid.
2) Low maintenance cost
The net meter is an electrical cum electronics device which when installed at the right place, under the shade, does not require maintenance for the years to come.
Installation tips:
•It should be installed in a place that is away from direct sunlight and rain.
•Install it at some height to keep it away from the reach of children.
•Install at a place that is away from the reach of the monkeys.
3) Savings through unit transfer
The net meter not only transfers the unused solar units to the grid but also reduces your monthly electricity bill.
The user gets billed for the net units consumed after deducting the solar units exported to the grid.
A 5-kW solar power system generates an average of 20 solar units in a day.
(I am talking about the place which receives over 5 Peak Sun Hours).
Assuming 10 units daily are exported to the grid and each unit cost is Rs. 7.
Then in a day, it saves you 10 units x Rs. 7/unit = Rs. 70 per day.
Or
70 x 30 days = Rs. 2100/ month
With installation and inspection costs you Rs. 10,000.
It will pay back in less than 5 months (Rs. 10,000/Rs. 2100).
Top manufacturers of net meters in India
- Hpl solar net meter
- Saral net meter
- L&T solar net meter
- Secure digital solar net meter
- ESR Energy
Price of net meter in India
Its price varies according to their specifications.
- A single-phase net meter costs you Rs. 2,000- 3,000.
- While it is Rs. 7,000 – 8,000 for a three-phase.
However, the total cost of installation with testing may go up to Rs. 10,000/- to Rs. 12,000/-.
Conclusion
- The net meter is a bi-directional device that monitors and keeps records of the energy flow between the solar power system and the grid.
- It is used in the On-grid solar power system
- The user is billed for the net units consumed which are after deducting the solar units exported to the grid.
- It eliminates the need for storage, requires minimal maintenance, and saves you money for years.
- Its price varies according to its configuration.
- This meter is beneficial in places or cities where the grid electricity is costly.
