If you use net metering, then chances are your electric meter runs backwards when you contribute energy to the grid, making it hard to track your energy usage in real-time.  Fortunately, the best solar panels come with advanced monitoring systems so you can see how much electricity your solar panels are actually generating. You can use this information to monitor your energy production and run appliances when the sun is out—not at night, the way you would if you were on a nights-free energy plan.