Editing Net metering (section)

==Energy storage==
Net metering systems can have energy storage integrated, to store some of the power locally (i.e. from the renewable energy source connected to the system) rather than selling everything back to the mains electricity grid. Often, the batteries used are industrial [[deep cycle batteries]] as these last for 10 to 20 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.solar-electric.com/learning-center/deep-cycle-battery-faq.html/|title=Deep Cycle Battery FAQ|website=Northern Arizona Wind & Sun}}</ref> Lead-acid batteries are often also still used, but last much less long (5 years or so). Lithium-ion batteries are sometimes also used, but too have a relatively short lifespan. Finally, [[Nickel-iron battery|nickel-iron batteries]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nickel-iron-battery.com/|title=nickel iron battery information|website=nickel-iron-battery.com}}</ref> last the longest with a lifespan of up to 40 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.beutilityfree.com/index.php/resources/the-utilityfree-home|title=The UtilityFree™ Home|website=beutilityfree.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agofuelcells.com/|title=AGO Fuel Cells – Renewable Energy research and development.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ironedison.com/|title=Nickel & Lithium Iron Provider in USA &#124; Buy Edison Battery Online|website=ironedison.com}}</ref> A 2017 study of solar panels with battery storage indicated an 8 to 14 percent extra consumption of electricity from charging and discharging batteries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.engr.utexas.edu/news/archive/8198-energy-storage|title=Storing Solar Power Increases Energy Consumption and Emissions, Study Finds|website=engr.utexas.edu|date=30 January 2017 }}</ref>