UPSC Prelims 2016 Q36: Environment & Ecology – Renewable Energy & Green Technologies

UPSC Prelims 2016, General Studies Paper I · Environment & Ecology

'Net metering' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the

Answer: (a) production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers

Explanation

Net metering

Net metering is a billing system for consumers who have rooftop solar panels.

Step	What happens
1	The household's solar panels produce electricity
2	Surplus power flows into the grid
3	A two-way meter records both import and export
4	The consumer pays only for the net units used

The options checked:

Option	Verdict
(a) Production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers	Correct
(b) Use of piped natural gas in the kitchens of households	Incorrect
(c) Installation of CNG kits in motor-cars	Incorrect
(d) Installation of water meters in urban households	Incorrect

It supports India's target for rooftop solar under the National Solar Mission.

Answer: (a) production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers.

(a) CORRECT. Net metering promotes production and use of solar energy by households.
(b) Incorrect. Piped natural gas uses ordinary gas meters, not net metering.
(c) Incorrect. CNG kits in motor-cars have nothing to do with metering.
(d) Incorrect. Water meters measure one-way use; nothing is netted off.

Net metering: rooftop solar consumer exports surplus power to the grid; a two-way meter bills only net consumption.

Net metering = rooftop solar + two-way meter.

Thinking 'net' refers to the internet or a network.
Confusing net metering with gross metering, where all solar power is sold to the grid.
Assuming the household is paid in cash; units are usually adjusted in the bill.

Net = import minus export. Only electricity flows both ways.

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy — Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme
Forum of Regulators — Model Regulation for Rooftop Solar Grid Interactive Systems based on Net Metering