Net metering for microgrid

Mayuresh Prakash Chandurkar , Pradip Gajendra Dudhal , Kiran Bhausaheb Gayke , Sandeep Narsing Yadav , Shrikant Dadaso Mangate

Net meter, solar and wind microgrid

Net metering is an energy incentive policy for customers who generate electricity form their own small alternative energy devices such as wind turbines, solar panels or fuel cells. As a motivation for customers who invest in renewable energy generation, net metering is considered an energy incentive. This policy allows customers to offset their consumption by flowing back their excess energy to the grid. It is an easy, low-cost method which can be achieved through a bidirectional meter. This meter spins backwards while the extra generated energy flows back to the grid and spins forward whenever electricity is purchased from the utility. The utility bills the customer for the net amount the consumed energy at the end of the billing period. Using this policy, utility customers generate their own energy and use it for their appliances by having a solar or a wind energy generation system. The excess generation can be stored in the grid, and be used whenever residents’ electricity demand exceeds their local generation. There is no need for installation of large storage devices such as batteries which are expensive, heavy and spacious. In addition, the full credit for the value of local generated electricity is achieved. Utility companies can benefit from net metering while customers produce extra energy during peak times.

Volume 4 Issue 4, April-2019

Pages : 120 - 122