dkmc,
Unless it's a joke? 100% SPARE heat........new scientific term?
No joke.
So, you are not bothered with a potential 30% saving on your heating. I suggest you just carry on paying you electricity bill.
BTW the word 'spare' is not a new technical or scientific term. It is in the dictionary. As an adjective (describing word) it means superfluous, unused. Included to keep/use a wide vocabulary, induce some thought in the readers and perhaps prompt a comment from those that are not compliant with the English language/dictionary.
Ok, what exactly IS net metering and how do I find out if my utility has that "feature"??
You have clearly not looked very hard for your Utility details on this subject. Google is a gem for an information search. That is a suggestion.
what details do you want to know.
I thought Jim had that one covered nicely. His post did not seem to galvanise you into action. Sum total of info so far is your minimum power take. Oh, and your utility name. Oh, and somewhere you mentioned your max take was 6kW?
what is your background and occupation? Just curious....
Degree in Physics, education, lived on a farm for 25 years, can remember when SOMs were in regular use. So what is yours? No, on second thoughts don't bother. I am not that curious.
GAWD this site is clunky to use!
Just think about it from the point of view of everyone else. Little or no information from you and they are expected to give all the answers. Does make things a bit clunky.
You need to be honest with yourself. The list of folks who are successfully lowering utility costs with a Listeroid prime mover is, well, uh... pretty short. If your fuel is free, the numbers can work out in a CHP set up. If you're buying #2 fuel oil, forget it.
Jim's reply was fair and to the point, I thought, but was not received well.
If, indeed, your max power take is a mere 6 kW just get yourself a 24/2 and go off grid. Your utility charges will then be totally reduced (ie zero!), not just the meter slowed. If your fuel costs are, as you say, near zero your costs will be the capital depreciation (tax deductable, one would presume) and routine (hopefully) servicing costs (100% set against profits). Of course you will have done the maths so you should already have a clear path to follow, or not, as the maths dictate. QED? You now have both my views. Take your pick.
Ronmar,
Thanks for explaining the energy balance of a system. Regards, RAB