NABCEP Solar Associate Practice Exam

The primary benefit of net metering for solar panel users is the credit for excess energy fed back into the grid. When a solar photovoltaic (PV) system generates more electricity than the consumer uses, net metering allows them to send that surplus energy back to the utility grid. As a result, users receive credits on their utility bills, which can offset future electricity usage when their solar production is not sufficient to meet their consumption (like during the night). This system incentivizes solar adoption by making it financially beneficial for users and effectively reduces their overall energy costs over time.

The other options, while they may suggest benefits that users might perceive, do not accurately reflect the fundamental purpose of net metering. For instance, while it can contribute to reduced energy costs, it does not eliminate them entirely. Similarly, installation costs are independent of net metering and depend on various factors, including equipment and labor. Lastly, while net metering encourages solar adoption, it does not guarantee energy output, as solar production can be variable and depends on factors like weather and system performance.