Learn more Net Metering! How does it work? Who can do it? How will it benefit me? Browse the links on the right and find out now.


Since 1978, a federal law by the name of PURPA (Public Utilities Policy Regulation Act) has required all publicly owned electric utilities to buy power produced by its customers. However, PURPA only requires the utilities to pay the "wholesale avoided cost," or in plain terms, the rate that they pay to other utilities when they buy power. Not surprisingly, this rate is far lower than the retail rate that normal customers (you and I) are asked to pay. In some cases, they pay only about 25% of what they charge their customers.

Over the last ten years or so, most states have enacted "Net Metering Laws." This means that they are required to offset the customer's bill at the full retail rate for power fed back to the utility. While all state programs accept solar power, many also accept wind and other renewables. To see if your state allows for net metering, go to:http://www.dsireusa.org

Utility Rebates and Tax Credits are now available in many areas. California customers of PG&E, SDG&E, and SoCal Edison qualify for a rebate of $2.20 per AC watt for PV arrays and $2.50 per AC watt for wind generators. The purpose of this program is to provide financial incentives for utility customers who produce renewable forms of electricity. Systems must use PV modules, wind generators and inverters that are approved by the California Energy Commission. For more information about this program, call 800-555-7794. Many of the municipal utilities in California are also adopting their own renewable energy rebate programs. If you live in California but you are not a PG&E, SoCalEdison, or SDG&E customer, contact your local electrical provider to see what financial incentives may be available.

Many states other than California also offer rebate programs and tax incentives. For more information on these programs visit the website: www.dsireusa.org Or call your local utility company and ask about renewable energy incentive