Net metering and feed-in systems let solar PV owners interact with the electricity grid. Net metering offsets your electricity bill when you export excess solar power, while feed-in schemes allow you to sell excess energy back to the utility at a fixed rate.
Net Metering Explained
During periods when your solar panels produce more electricity than your business consumes, the surplus is exported to the grid. This exported energy offsets your consumption later, reducing your electricity bill.
Feed-In Tariffs
Feed-in schemes allow the excess solar electricity to be sold to the utility at a fixed rate. Depending on your municipality, this may be paid as a separate amount or credited against your electricity consumption.
Availability in South Africa
Currently, net metering and feed-in options are limited in South Africa. Availability depends on local municipality policies and any agreements they have with electricity distributors.
While net metering and feed-in can optimize solar system savings elsewhere, businesses in South Africa should plan solar + LBSA battery systems assuming grid export incentives are generally unavailable.