03-31-2011, 04:45 PM
Yesterday I received a letter from Helco saying I could switch my solar net metering to a feed in tariff. The idea with the FIT is that Helco will pay you for what you produce.
With net metering if you produce more than you use at the end of the year you loose and Helco keeps any surplus.
Sounds like FIT is better, right? But...it costs at least $200 to set up the account and then it costs $25 per month for a "meter reading fee." Maybe if you have a very big system this will be a better deal, not not for the typical rooftop system.
My rough calculation says that at .30 KW you would need to produce over 80 KWH per month just to get your $25 back.
Jerry
Art and Orchids B&B
http://www.artandorchids.com
With net metering if you produce more than you use at the end of the year you loose and Helco keeps any surplus.
Sounds like FIT is better, right? But...it costs at least $200 to set up the account and then it costs $25 per month for a "meter reading fee." Maybe if you have a very big system this will be a better deal, not not for the typical rooftop system.
My rough calculation says that at .30 KW you would need to produce over 80 KWH per month just to get your $25 back.
Jerry
Art and Orchids B&B
http://www.artandorchids.com