Your Solar PV Options in Phoenix, Arizona
Net Metering
Net metering is a billing arrangement that credits solar energy system owners for surplus electricity fed back into the grid. Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, which can power homes and businesses. Excess electricity during sunny periods is returned to the grid and credited to the owner's account. This credit, often measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), is applied to future electricity bills. When solar panels generate less electricity, such as at night, grid power is used as usual. At the end of billing cycles, the utility company calculates the net difference between grid consumption and solar generation, issuing credits for excess generation or billing for deficits. Some programs allow carrying forward credits to subsequent billing periods, helping offset higher consumption. Net metering optimizes solar investments, using the grid as a virtual battery to store surplus energy. It's important to note that policies vary by location.
Customer Self Supply
Customer self supply involves generating solar electricity primarily for personal use rather than selling to the grid. The aim is self-sufficiency, reducing grid reliance, and potential cost savings. This choice is popular among homeowners, businesses, and institutions aiming to cut energy expenses and carbon footprint. These systems prioritize on-site solar consumption, though excess power might be fed, this is not the primary function of the system. Self supply systems will store electricity on site and use the power at night. The system will still be connected to the local power grid, and electricity can be pulled from it during emergency. This type of system is advantageous for those who want to be independent of the local electrical grid, but also a backup plan during a system failure.