Net Metering|Alternative Energy|Toboa Energy

Net metering is basically an offset for the power you're using with the power that your renewable energy system is putting back into grid, where you would either be charged or receive payment for the "net difference". All technologies are eligible. There is no limit on the amount of energy a utility can receive through net metering. Utilities pay customer-generators the retail rate (up to a defined amount of produced energy) for net excess generation from renewable energy facilities. Customer-generators producing energy from non-renewable resources receive the avoided cost rate for net excess generation.

Example

An average home using 1500 kW/hours per month of electricity that would be about 2,080 watts (2.08kW) of power. A wind turbine rated for 10 kW maximum output, is enough power for a home consuming 1500 kW/h under normal load. That means a wind turbine operating at an average thirty percent of the installed maximum output power, which is common in the midwest, would be about 3000 watts (3.0 kW) average output or enough to offset the cost of power for the home and possibly gain in net metering some additional advantage. The reality is that some homes will use more power and some will consume less. A good rule of thumb is to add together and average all electric bills over a one year billing cycle. It may be that during the height of summer usage is 4000 watts and during the cooler months usage is 1500 watts and those numbers will fluctuate up or down over the course of a normal day depending upon temperature and activities.

In Wisconsin, net metering would mean a total of 26,280 kW/h x $0.10/kwh =$2,628.00 in revenue from one 10 kW wind turbine. The average life cycle of a maintained turbine would be approximately 20 years. So $2,628 x 20yrs = $52,560 plus inflation protection. This example data does not include the cost of the wind generator system so the return on investment may be lower.

Not everyone will experience the exact numbers stated, but it does show how wind energy can make sense when applied. As shown, an initial investment in a private wind turbine system can both help our environment and pay a dividend back to the owner. Depending upon the kilowatt size of turbine and the time to allow for return on investment calculations can change.