Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. When your solar panels produce more power than your home or business uses, the excess energy flows back to the utility grid, and your meter literally runs backward, earning you credits. In the UAE, DEWA’s Shams Dubai initiative pioneered net metering, allowing residents and businesses to connect their solar systems to the grid. During peak sunlight hours, your panels typically generate surplus energy that gets exported to the grid. At night or on cloudy days, you draw power from the grid as usual, but your banked credits offset these costs. The system operates on a monthly or annual reconciliation basis. Any excess credits accumulated can reduce your bills to the minimum connection charge. For a typical residential system, net metering can increase overall savings by 15-25% compared to systems without grid connection. Installation requires a bi-directional meter and DEWA approval, but the process is streamlined for residential customers. This win-win arrangement benefits both solar owners and the broader community by supporting grid stability and renewable energy adoption.
December 26, 2023
