What does Behind-the-Meter mean?

Explanation

Behind-the-meter refers to energy assets located on the customer's side of the utility meter, meaning the grid operator does not see their output as separate grid consumption. Solar panels, battery storage, and EV chargers installed at a business or home are all behind-the-meter assets. Energy generated or stored behind the meter can be used on-site without paying grid transmission fees.

For EV charging sites, behind-the-meter battery storage is increasingly common. The battery stores cheap off-peak grid electricity or solar energy, then delivers it to EV chargers during peak demand. This reduces both energy costs and demand charges because the grid sees a lower, flatter power draw.

Behind-the-meter solar panels at charging stations can offset a portion of the energy used for charging. A solar canopy over parking spots serves double duty: generating electricity and providing shade (which keeps cars and batteries cooler in summer). The economics depend on local solar irradiance, electricity rates, and installation costs.

Read more at OpenADR Alliance.

Where you'll see this

• In vehicle specifications

Common confusion

Behind-the-meter solar panels at a charging station do not mean the chargers run entirely on solar. They supplement grid power and reduce costs, but most sites still draw the majority of their energy from the grid.

Example

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