Understanding Your Utility Electric Bill After Solar

Understanding Your Solar Electric Bills

Reading solar electric bills can sometimes be challenging as they don't show the total energy output of your panels. Here's a guide to help you navigate your bill with confidence.

Whether you're new to home solar systems or have been enjoying the benefits for years, understanding your solar electric bills is essential. Luckily, due to your system’s efficiency, your bills are likely lower than before, which is fantastic both for your wallet and the environment!

If you're puzzled because your bills don't seem to reflect the full energy output of your panels, don't worry. It's important first to grasp what your electric bill actually shows. Typically, it only displays the excess electricity that your panels generate and send back to the grid. This excess is either credited or labeled as "received" by your utility company, especially if they offer net metering programs which reward you with credits for this sent energy.

Your home primarily uses the energy your panels produce, and any surplus goes to either charging any whole house batteries you might have, like a Tesla Powerwall, or back to the grid. This setup means only the extra energy exported to the grid appears as credits on your bill.

Once installed, your utility will place a bidirectional meter at your home. This device tracks and reports two key figures:

Net Metering and Your Bill

For utilities with net metering, the process involves subtracting the energy you send to the grid from what you consume each month. If you end up sending more than you use, you’ll see this as a credit for the next billing cycle, which can really help reduce costs over time.

Remember, the energy your home sends back to the grid isn’t the total energy your system produces. This is a common misunderstanding and often leads to confusion about the actual performance of your solar panels. To get a full picture of your system’s output, regularly check your solar monitoring portal.

So, while your bill might not show all the energy your panels are generating, rest assured that all your solar power is either benefiting your home directly or contributing to savings on future bills. Understanding this can make your solar investment feel even more rewarding.