Question

UPSC Prelims 2016 Question:

‘Net metering’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the

  1. 1. production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers
  2. 2. use of piped natural gas in the kitchens of households
  3. 3. installation of CNG kits in motor-cars
  4. 4. installation of water meters in urban households

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1: production and use of solar energy by the households/consumers

Detailed Solution

Explanation: 

  • In India, net metering was introduced as an initiative to make renewable energy more economical and accessible
    • Net metering is a mechanism which allows domestic or commercial users who generate their own electricity using solar panels or photovoltaic systems to export their surplus energy back to the grid. 
    • During the day, most solar customers produce more electricity than they consume; net metering allows them to export that power to the grid. Customers are only billed for their "net" energy use which is the difference between total energy produced by the system and total energy consumed.

  • Advantages of net metering:
  • Extra financial credit
  • Eliminates the need for battery storage and backup generator
  • Inexpensive and low maintenance

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Renewable and Energy Resources

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