Do You Still Get an Electric Bill with Solar Panels? The Honest Truth
It’s one of the most common questions homeowners have before making the switch to solar: Do you still get an electric bill with solar panels? The short answer is yes, you most likely will. However, that bill can look dramatically different—often drastically reduced or even $0. This guide will break down exactly what to expect from your utility bill after installing solar panels, explaining the line items, how net metering works, and why you might still see a small charge.
Why You’ll (Probably) Still Get a Bill
Unless you completely disconnect from the power grid (which is rare and expensive), you will still receive a monthly statement from your utility company. Think of this bill not as a traditional power bill, but as a “grid connection and usage statement.” Your relationship with the utility changes from a pure buyer of electricity to a partner who both consumes and contributes energy.
What Your New “Solar Bill” Will Look Like
Your post-solar bill will have two main components:
- Credits for Energy You Export: When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home is using (e.g., on a sunny afternoon), the excess is sent back to the grid. Your utility company credits you for this power, typically at a predetermined rate.
- Charges for Energy You Import: When your system isn’t producing enough electricity (e.g., at night or on cloudy days), you pull power from the grid. You are charged for this energy.
At the end of the billing cycle, the utility nets these two amounts against each other. This process is called net metering.
The Goal: $0 or Near-$0 Bills
If your system is correctly sized for your energy consumption, the credits you earn from exporting power should largely or completely cancel out the charges for importing power. This is how homeowners achieve a net-$0 electric bill.
Important: A net-$0 bill doesn’t always mean the statement says “$0.00 due.” It often shows a small balance for mandatory fees, but your solar credits cover it, resulting in no money owed.
Why You Might See a Small Charge
Even with a well-designed system, it’s normal to see a small charge on some bills, especially during seasonal changes. Here’s why:
- Non-Bypassable Charges (NBCs): These are small state-mandated fees that utilities charge for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of grid electricity you consume, even if it’s later offset by your solar credits. They are usually just a few cents per kWh.
- Minimum Delivery Charges: Some utilities charge a minimal monthly fee (e.g., $10-$20) simply for being connected to the grid, which acts as a safety net for your home.
- Seasonal Variations: You’ll likely produce a surplus of credits in the sunny summer months and use up those credits in the shorter, cloudier winter months.
True Energy Independence: Adding Battery Storage
The only way to potentially eliminate your utility bill entirely is to pair your solar panels with a home battery, like a Tesla Powerwall. The battery stores your excess solar energy instead of sending it all to the grid. You then use that stored energy at night, drastically reducing the amount of power you need to import from the utility. Under new net metering rules like California’s NEM 3.0, adding a battery is becoming essential for maximizing bill savings.
How to Maximize Your Solar Bill Savings
To get your bill as close to $0 as possible, you need a system that is tailored to your specific needs. This depends on:
- Your past energy usage.
- Your roof’s size, angle, and sun exposure.
- Your local utility’s net metering policies.
- Your future energy needs (e.g., planning to buy an EV).
The only way to know exactly how much you can save is with a customized quote from a trusted solar installer.
See How Much You Could Save on Your Electric Bill
Curious what your new utility statement could look like? The best way to find out is to speak with a solar expert. They can analyze your past bills, explain your local net metering rules, and provide a precise forecast of your future solar savings.
Call today for your free, no-obligation savings quote:
Get connected with a top-rated solar installer in your area and learn how close you can get to a $0 electric bill.
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