Once your solar system is installed, your utility provider will replace your old meter with an advanced meter that is capable of measuring net metering. When your solar panels are producing more electricity than you are using, the electricity is sent back to the grid, running your meter backward. When you are using more electricity than you are producing, you will pull electricity from the grid. This will run your meter forward. You are then billed for the net of what you produced and what you used. Net metering helps to account for the seasonal differences in production by crediting you for the excess electricity that you produce. Your utility company will credit you for the excess energy you producing during the summer months so you can draw from them during the winter months when you are not producing excess energy.