Electricity needs to change over time, which can be a problem for solar panel owners. A system that covered 100% of your electricity consumption a few years ago might be too small now that you’ve installed a heat pump and bought an EV.
The solution is fairly simple—just add a few more panels to your existing solar energy system.
But there’s one major problem.
If you’re locked into a Net Energy Metering (NEM) 1.0 or 2.0 agreement, expanding your home solar panel system can jeopardize your status. Under NEM 1.0 and NEM 2.0, solar customers are credited at a significantly higher rate than they are under NEM 3.0. Being forced to switch to NEM 3.0 would be a huge blow.
Newly approved options, however, make it possible to expand your NEM 1.0 or NEM 2.0 solar system without losing your net metering status.
How Net Metering Works with System Expansion
To expand your solar panel system without losing your NEM status, your existing system and the expanded system have to operate independently. The existing system can continue to export power to the electric grid at the NEM 1.0 or 2.0 rate you’re currently locked into. One hundred percent of the power generated by the existing system can be exported at your current NEM 1.0 or 2.0 rate.
Three Options for NEM System Expansion
Element Electric offers three utility-approved options for expanding your existing NEM 1.0 or 2.0 system.
1. Zero Export
This is the simplest and most affordable way to expand your existing solar panel system. With a zero export system, you are essentially installing a second, smaller solar power system that operates alongside your existing panels. The electricity it generates cannot be exported to the grid for NEM credit, but you can continue exporting the electricity your existing system generates to the grid at your current NEM 1.0 or 2.0 rate.
2. Circuit Relocation with Zero Export
If you want to expand your system and add battery backup at the same time, this is the best option. It will operate just like a zero export system, but the circuit relocation allows you to install new or additional batteries.
3. Net Generation Output Meter
If your existing solar system has batteries attached to it, this is your only option for expansion. It involves installing an additional utility meter, called a Net Generation Output Meter (NGOM) for utility tracking purposes.
Solar System Expansion Services in California
Ready to upgrade your solar power system? Element Electric can help you address your current shortfall and prepare for future electricity needs with a system expansion. We’re a highly experienced, local solar company and the go-to choice for residential solar in Dixon, Davis, Vacaville, and the surrounding areas. We can expand almost any NEM 1.0 or 2.0 system without jeopardizing its net metering status! Call us to learn more about your options.
