Glossary of net metering terms
The following terms may be helpful as you go about estimating and constructing your electrical generating system.
Customer-generator
PSE customers who have enrolled in PSE's net metering program and have signed an interconnection agreement with PSE, becoming potential suppliers (generators) of electricity to PSE.
Inverter
Inverters convert the DC (Direct Current) voltage that the generator creates to AC (Alternating Current) at either 120 volts or 240 volts. The inverter sends the AC voltage into the home's circuit breaker panel, where it is distributed to the home or electricity grid through the net meter.
Hydroelectric generation or "micro hydro"
An electrical generating system using water as the means to turn an electrical generator. These systems sometimes use a waterwheel, similar to those used since medieval times. They can have a vast range of sizes and operating characteristics. For a more thorough discussion of hydro generation, visit the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Web site.
Net metering
The process of calculating the electricity used by a Customer-Generator versus the amount of electricity generated by a qualifying generating system owned/operated by the customer-generator.
Solar PV
Solar systems using PhotoVoltaic (PV) modules. These modules are typically made out of silicon and can be found in many commonly-used products, including calculators. The modules are assembled into arrays or panels that are capable of generating anywhere from 100 to over 200 watts of electricity per array. Typical solar PV system capacities range from one kilowatt (or 1,000 watts) to over 10 kilowatts.
To learn more terms, try the following websites:
For a more detailed description of solar PV, please refer to the National Center for Photovoltaics Web site.
Learn about the basics of renewables technologies at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Web site.