You may still be getting a power bill even after your solar is up and running. Let's review the reasons why that could be and what to expect for the future.
To ensure you receive the credits you deserve, your utility company will read and monitor your meter each month to determine how much energy you use. For this service, you will be charged a one time connection fee for the installation of the net meter and monthly monitoring fees. Your solar credits cannot be applied to this fee.
Despite having solar energy, there is a chance that your output and input aren’t matching up. This could be due to:
- Large energy output. If you are someone who uses a large amount of energy, you might not totally offset the energy that you are generating. Having a large home or using multiple appliances frequently can all cause you to use more energy, creating a higher bill.
- Seasonal changes. In cases of extreme heat, solar panels may not produce energy as well as they would normally. Solar panels are rated for an ideal temperature, and when temperatures skyrocket their energy production can diminish, meaning you may not be producing as much as you think. Keep in mind that, along with your solar panels producing less efficiently in extreme temperatures, you will likely use more energy to cool down or warm up your home. The resulting energy use may cause you to receive an electric bill.