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Net Metering Defined
Earn monthly bill credits for selling electricity back to the grid
Understanding Net Metering
The amount of electricity you use and the amount of electricity your solar generates will often not match up. On sunny days your solar may produce more electricity than your home needs, while on cloudy days you might use more energy than your system provides.
At the end of each month, the total electricity you consumed from the grid will be subtracted from the total amount you sold back. This determines your "net" amount, which will be shown on your monthly bill.
Eligible Systems
State law caps the number and size of projects that can benefit from net metering. Residential solar installations smaller than 10kW will usually qualify for net metering. Systems larger than 10kW may receive credits at a reduced rate.
Your solar contractor will apply for net metering for you when interconnecting to the grid.
Expect a new meter
Once your system is approved and installed, we will replace your existing electric meter with a model that automatically handles the net metering calculation.
If you participate in the SMART program, you solar installation will include a second meter.
Your Monthly Electric Bill
Once you sign up for net metering, your monthly bill will look different than it did before you installed a solar system.
In months where you produced more energy than you used, your bill should show a negative balance, which could possibly roll over to future bills.
If you use more electricity than you generate, we supply the power you need at the standard rate. You'll also see delivery charges on your bill, which cover the costs to maintain the grid your solar system is connected to.
Net metering rate
The net metering rate is determined by state law and will change as our rates fluctuate. Systems larger than 10kW may receive a lower net metering rate.
If your system is 10kW or less, the rate at which you earn net metering credits will be slightly lower than the full retail rate you pay for power. This is because chargers for energy efficiency, renewable energy and distributed solar are excluded from the net metering rate.
Less Common Scenarios
Sharing your credits
If you find yourself generating more net metering credits than you can use, you can share them with other customers in Massachusetts using virtual net metering. There may be some restrictions around which customers you're able to share these credits with.
Net metering and SMART
The Massachusetts SMART program offers some solar installation owners the opportunity to earn monthly incentive payments. The SMART program is separate from net metering, but you can enroll in both programs if you qualify.
Moving
If you still have credits on your bill when you decide to move, you can choose to transfer your credits to a new Eversource account. If you choose not to do this, of if you're moving out of Eversource territory, your credits will be used to offset new metering recovery charges for all customers.
Ready to Install?
If solar sounds right for your home, we're here to help you through the installation and interconnection process.