Frequently asked questions about micro-generation
Purchasing micro-generation equipment is a major investment and often raises many questions. Read below for answers to the questions that are on your mind.
What is net metering?
In its simplest form, netting is when the electricity generated is subtracted from the electricity consumed and only the difference is passed on to the electricity bill.
Fifteen-minute net metering means that the difference between micro-generation connected to the grid, such as solar PV generation, and consumption is calculated for a fifteen-minute period, such as from 11:00 to 11:15.
How do I benefit from net metering?
A simple example can illustrate the benefits of (hourly) net metering:
On a beautiful spring day, our customer Eric Example generates a total of 0.6 kWh of electricity using solar panels between 14:15 and 14:30. During the same fifteen-minute period, Eric Example consumes 0.97 kWh of electricity. Thanks to fifteen-minute net metering, the kilowatt-hours produced (0.6) are subtracted from the kilowatt-hours consumed (0.97), and only 0.37 kWh is transferred to the bill for this fifteen-minute period.
For the micro-generating party, the benefit is reflected in both the amount of energy purchased and the network service fee.
The amount of electricity tax on the bill is also reduced when net metering reduces the amount of consumption transferred to the bill.
Previously, net metering took place in one-hour periods, but from spring 2023, electricity consumption and generation will be metered in fifteen-minute periods in Finland and the EU. When the metering migrates to fifteen-minute periods, net metering is also done in fifteen-minute periods. In Vaasan Sähköverkko’s area, most of the meters have migrated to fifteen-minute metering periods.
Since metering is done in four periods every hour, the Vaasan Sähkö app, for example, may show that you have both purchased and sold electricity during the same hour.
I have installed solar panels on the roof. How do I enable net metering?
If you have had solar panels installed, the next step is to connect them to the electricity network. Net metering is a feature that is enabled automatically, and you don’t need to do anything to get it working.
Net metering is used for customers with a maximum apparent power of 100 kilowatt-amperes from their micro-generation system – for example, if you have solar panels on the roof of your house.
Where can I check how much net metering has benefitted me?
You can check the net metering in Fingrid’s Datahub system.
Planning to purchase
micro-generation equipment?
If you are purchasing micro-generation equipment, such as solar panels, please read our guide to connecting your equipment to the electricity network.
