Once you've determined that solar panels or micro-wind turbines will be cost effective on your property, what's to stop you from slapping a few up on your roof? Selling power back to the grid is an ideal situation for those who are interested in renewable energy and long term savings on their electric bill. But is it really that simple to set up a transaction like this where you live? It's called "net metering," and the systems and feasibility available to you can vary greatly from state to state and region to region.

Many power companies offer net metering options for solar and wind energy harvesters, provided that they meet a few of the grid's energy standards. In a growing number of communities around the US, strong incentives are being offered to those who want to run their own solar or wind farm -- including subsidies to help purchase your system -- it really pays to research your local options.

The 3 best states for selling power are New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Colorado, that's according to last year's Free The Grid report from the Network for New Energy Choices. So, how do they keep track of your power production? Some companies simple have meters that roll backwards as you push power onto the grid, others require a separate meter. Most companies pay wholesale energy prices, but there are some who use the "roll back" meter. Those companies are paying retail prices for your energy, a sweet deal for as long as it lasts.

[via Earth2Tech]