Gross metering is a billing system utilized in the context of renewable energy, particularly solar power, where all electricity generated by the system is fed back to the grid, and the system owner is compensated with a fixed feed-in tariff for the total electricity generated.
Unlike net metering, which only credits excess electricity fed back to the grid, gross metering treats all electricity generated by the system as a separate entity, regardless of on-site consumption.
Characteristics of Gross Metering
The main characteristic of gross metering is that the system owner is compensated for the entire output of the system, irrespective of whether it is consumed on-site or exported to the grid.
Also known as all-inclusive or total metering, is a method employed in certain regions to measure the electricity generated by renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, at the point of generation before it is fed into the grid.
It is used in various settings, including residential, commercial, industrial, and community solar power systems, as well as wind and biogas or biomass energy systems.
What are its uses?
Gross metering allows for precise measurement of the total energy generated, facilitating fair compensation or credits for any surplus energy fed back into the grid.
It is also commonly used in community solar projects to ensure an equitable distribution of energy credits among participants, making it a popular approach in the renewable energy sector. Through this many individuals can be benefitted. Solar power is the need for the hour, and through this, we can sustain living for a long time.
