Future energy costs for your Massachusetts home or business will be significantly reduced after installing solar panels. But exactly how does everything work with your utility provider?
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive, such as how soon solar panels can be used after installation and how solar incentives appear and are monitored on future utility bills.
Any excess generation is stored in solar batteries and/or sent back to the utility grid with net metering. Your home uses less electricity at night and on cloudy days than you have in your batteries, or you have net metering credit to cover that use.
When Your Bill Looks Too High: 3 Possible Reasons
Sometimes, homeowners call us surprised. Typically, when they receive their first “true up” bill, the total seems…off.
Perhaps they used more electricity than they anticipated using, or it appears to be too high. In these circumstances, it’s simple for a homeowner to become a little panicked, thinking that their system isn’t working or that they installed it incorrectly.
Fortunately, this is seldom the case. Following the installation of a residential system, the following factors can cause a solar bill to appear excessive:
You can reduce the overall amount of electricity you will have to pay for by increasing your own electricity production.
But a common query is, “Do you still use solar panels to pay your electricity bills?”
You can generate excess electricity that is sent onto the energy grid in addition to producing enough for your home. Again, this is where net-metering is your friend. You can earn energy credits by sending extra electricity to the grid; these credits can then be applied to future energy use.
Some solar companies will object and claim that using solar energy will completely eliminate your electricity costs. However, this is not totally true. We will explain why. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4. 2. 2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4. 2. 2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4. 2. 2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”].
But keep in mind that you will likely still be required to pay basic fees and charges for being connected to the energy grid, even with net-metering and a 100% solar offset of your electricity usage. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4. 2. 2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4. 2. 2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4. 2. 2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”].
Using your own power is likely a better deal than net metering
The process by which many solar owners are paid by their utility company for the electricity that their solar systems send to the grid is known as net metering. You would send less electricity to the grid if you used more of your own energy, which would result in less compensation under net metering. However, under net metering, the value you receive per kilowatt-hour for power is frequently lower than the price your utility company assesses you when you use the grid. In many cases, using your own energy is simply more advantageous than using net metering.
Help I Got Solar & Still Have An Electric Bill!
FAQ
Do solar panels get rid of electricity bill?
Going solar can significantly lower your electric bill, to the point where it doesn’t play a significant role in your monthly budget. Some fortunate homeowners can even eliminate their electric bill.
What are the 2 main disadvantages to solar energy?
- Standard home solar does not “work” at night.
- Home solar panels are not attractive.
- For most homeowners, DIY solar installation is challenging, if not impossible.
- Not all roof configurations are optimal for producing the most solar power.
- Solar manufacturing is not good for the environment.
Why are my solar panels not saving me money?
If your solar panels are not lowering your bill, it may be because: Your system is generating less electricity than you use When solar panels aren’t producing electricity at night, you’re using too much of it. Too many appliances or devices are plugged in.
Is solar cheaper than electric bill?
There is no doubt that solar energy is more affordable than “regular” or “standard” electricity. Installing new solar panels is less expensive than making a comparable investment in coal, natural gas, or other fossil fuels, claims the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Reference:
https://sandbarsc.com/news/why-is-my-electric-bill-so-high-with-solar-panels/
https://greenridgesolar.com/electricity-bills-solar-panels/