Free Electricity Explained
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Free electricity is power generated without fuel costs, typically from solar or wind sources. After setup, systems like solar panels can reduce or eliminate bills through net metering, helping promote sustainability and energy independence for homes and businesses.
The Complete Guide to Free Electricity
The Reality of Free Electricity
True “free electricity” does not exist in the sense of unlimited, no-cost power available without investment. However, generating your electricity at home through solar panels or small wind systems can reduce your reliance on the power grid and lower your energy bills significantly, sometimes to zero. This cost reduction is what many people mean when they refer to "free electricity."
Purchasing and installing a solar power system is not free, but it pays off over time. It’s a long-term investment that benefits both the environment and your finances. Some homeowners even reach the point where their solar systems generate more electricity than they use.
In such cases, through a policy known as net metering, these homeowners can send excess electricity back to the power grid and receive compensation from their utility company.
What is Net Metering?
Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows consumers who generate their own electricity to send excess power back to the grid and receive credit for it. Here’s how it works:
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Net metering allows you to sell the electricity produced by a solar system on your home back to the electric power grid.
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Net Metering occurs when your meter spins backwards as solar electricity is being produced, storing the excess energy on the grid.
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Once energy is actually being consumed, your meter spins forward to collect the energy that has been saved on your electric power grid.
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For the energy that you do not consume, the electric utility will compensate you. If you get paid enough money from the electricity that you don't use and sell to them, then that profit can be used to pay for your existing consumption, making it essentially free electricity.
Some utilities offer cash payments for the surplus, while others provide energy credits that reduce your bill. Either way, your electricity costs can be significantly reduced—and in some cases, essentially eliminated.
Key Considerations for a Free Electricity System
A few things to watch out for when choosing to invest in a Free Electricity solar power system.
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You must conserve your energy consumption to ensure that you don't exceed the amount of solar energy produced.
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By exceeding the amount of power generated many times for the grid or saved, you are then charged regular rates for electricity provided by your electric utility.
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You must watch your solar energy production. Keep track of the daily energy production of your system.
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Check your utility bill each month to ensure that you are credited or reimbursed for any and all extra energy generated.
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To control your electricity usage, consider using a time-of-use electric meter to further capitalize on your investment.
Utility Policies Vary
Not all utility companies offer generous net metering. Some may only provide energy credits, while others pay wholesale rates for your excess electricity. It's essential to check with your local utility to understand how they handle customer-generated power.
While the term “free electricity” is somewhat misleading, it does accurately reflect the very real possibility of generating low-cost or no-cost power after your initial system is installed. Through renewable energy systems and programs like net metering, homeowners can reduce or eliminate energy bills and make a lasting contribution to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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