This is a question that I hear quite a bit. Not just wondering if the meter turns backwards, but if Solar really works and is it a viable option for me?
Well, that depends. On an existing homes, ALWAYS a homeowner should consider making their home as energy efficient as possible FIRST before they consider purchasing solar panels. Why? Because they can be rather costly, let’s first make sure that we getting the meter outside going a little bit slower so we maximize our investment of solar.
If you are wanting to know how to ‘green’ up your home and make it more Energy Efficient before you go solar, I recommend signing up for our FREE Webinars
Wen you are building a home, and it is going to be really Energy Efficient, you can really maximize the output from solar.
How much power does it take? How many panels? Well, the wasted electricity is really when you are not at home. Your home is still pulling power from various items such as computers, refrigerator, etc. To turn the meter backwards, it does NOT mean you have to get your home ‘Off the Grid’.
So, here we have it. If you need proof of the meter really turning backwards, here ya go! Oh, and there is a little more information in there also. :0) It’s kind of cheesy and me goofing off a little bit with the meters, but I think it’s effective.
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The video was very effective–I suppose there really is no better proof than watching that meter run backwards! Once again, you’ve done a great job informing and educating! As always, thank you for your time and contribution to our city and to the environment.
Was this meter on a Houston home? Does Centerpoint or Reliant buy energy back or give credits or pay the home owner the way they do in Austin? I haven’t heard of this happening yet and I was wondering where this home was.
Cat
The current value of net metering in Texas allows for you to “store” your excess production on the utility grid during solar production hours. That excess is then used once the systems stops exporting energy to the grid. This means that if you buy energy at $0.15/KWh from the utility, your daily excess has the same value per KWh. However your retail energy provider is not obligated to pay you for production outside of your usage at the end of a billing cycle. The short answer is no.
However, the new net metering process (which includes two meters – one for solar production and one for utility consumption) will enable you to make a contract with your energy provider for the excess solar energy production that is exported to the grid.
Ralph Parrott
Alternative Power Solutions
Hi Mona, Thanks for stopping by again.
I just happened to be there at the right time and just had to get that on video. LOL
Hi Cat, Thanks for the great question! Ralph is with Alternative Power Solutions and a great one to hop in and answer most of that question.
The house was actually located in Discovery at Spring Trails. It is on the North side of town on Riley Fuzzel.
Houston is making great strides towards being a greener City, I’m certain we can do it.
Ralph, Thanks for hopping in to answer that. You’re awesome!
Hi:
Is there anyone in the Houston area who installs solar for pools? Is is terribly expensive? Does it look really bad?
If so – is it only for the heater or can solar run the cleaning and filtering for a pool.
Thanks!
Kaching Kaching, good video. I`ve done a bit of the conservation side and managed to get the meters running slower. Mostly by using low power goods, solar hot water, insulation etc. Next step is to ramp up the electrical production and make the meter go backwards.
Home Solar Energy´s last blog ..First Solar|China 2 Gigawatt Solar Plant
solar power for homes…
This is a question that I hear quite a bit. Not just wondering if the meter turns backwards but if S [...]…
I really liked your blog..will visit again soon.
With all the global issues that we have to embrace into our lives and our childrens lives, we should all do our part to help a least a little bit. Why not eliminate your Electrical Bill and Save Thousands a year with Solar Panels for your home, this will be an easy way for you to do your part in helping our planet and save a tonne of money.
People should deffinatley look into how viable solar panels will be for thier home before taking the plunge, otherwise they could end up actually being out of pocket in the long run.
Theo @ DIYHomeSolarPanels.org´s last blog ..Solar Panels FAQ
Great post I specialy found it useful for homemade solar energy. What’s the ROI on solar power? What’s solar panel do you use ?
Are you saying its legal to plug into the grid on the house side of the meter to slow down the ‘avgerage’ monthly spin ? I spoke w the power company and understood they required me to have an aditional meter and sign a contract with a green company to buy back the watts, (at a greatly reduced rate). evan if I generate less than I consume…
Thanks
I look forward to your response.
nice job. i like your article, I strongly agree with your article, I need to learn a lot from you
Is it ok/legal, to plug into a wall outlet and pump power back into your home without notifing the power company or signing a contract in Texas? Doesn’t this require an additional meter installed by the power company that only your own generated power plugs into ? Thanks
Thank you for sharing. I really enjoyed your article and especially the video. It is important that people know the facts before installing solar panels and your doing a great job!
Dina B´s last blog ..DIY Solar Energy Home Book – Make Solar Energy at Home