### Unlocking the Benefits of Behind-the-Meter Solar for Your Home and Community
The shift toward clean energy is opening doors to various solar power solutions, each with its unique benefits and challenges. A standout in this space is **behind-the-meter solar**, which has been gaining attention among homeowners, businesses, and communities seeking sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions. With many utilities and policymakers debating its merits, now is the perfect time to dig into why this approach to solar energy could be a game-changer for your home and the planet.
#### What is Behind-the-Meter Solar?
When looking to install solar panels for your home or business, one of the biggest choices you’ll face is deciding between distributed and utility-scale solar systems. Utility-scale solar systems are vast arrays connected to transmission lines, often far from where the electricity is consumed. By contrast, **behind-the-meter (BTM) solar systems** are smaller, distributed arrays installed directly on homes, commercial buildings, or even over parking lots or unused land—right where the electricity is needed.
BTM systems supply energy directly to the building where they are installed and send any excess electricity back to the grid. This creates a two-way relationship with the grid: you use it when
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/12/05/ten-reasons-why-small-scale-non-utility-solar-is-important/
