How to Read Solar Electric Bills?

If you’re like most people, understanding your electric bill can be confusing. It’s even more complicated when you have solar panels installed! In this blog post, we will break down each component of the solar electric bill and explain what it means. We’ll help you understand how your usage is measured, how your rates are determined, and all other important information found on your bill. Once you know how to read a solar electric bill, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about your energy usage and save money in the process!

1. What to look for on your solar electric bill?

Most solar electric customers are on what’s called a “net metering” contract with their utility. This means that the meter tracks how much electricity you use from the grid, and how much you send back to the grid. On your bill, there will be two numbers listed for electricity usage: “grid sent” and “grid received.” The first number is the amount of electricity you’ve used from the grid, and the second number is the amount of electricity you’ve sent back to the grid. The difference between these two numbers is what you actually pay for (or receive a credit for, if your “grid received” number is higher than your “grid sent” number). In order to maximize your savings, you’ll want to make sure that your “grid sent” number is as low as possible. To do this, try to use appliances during daylight hours when your solar panels are generating electricity. Also, make sure to turn off lights and appliances when you’re not using them.

2. How your solar electric bill is calculated

Your solar electric bill is calculated based on your monthly usage, or how much electricity you use in a month. Your monthly usage is determined by your local utility company and is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To calculate your solar electric bill, simply multiply your monthly usage by the rate you’re charged per kWh. The average U.S. residential customer pays about 12 cents per kWh, so if you use 1,000 kWh in a month, your bill would be $120. However, if you have a solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed, you may be able to offset some of your monthly usage with the electricity generated by your PV system. For example, if your PV system generates 500 kWh of electricity in a month, your bill would only be $60. Solar PV systems can save you money on your electric bill, and help to protect the environment by reducing your reliance on fossil fuels.

3. How to read your solar electric bill

Now that you know what to look for and how your solar electric bill is calculated, let’s take a closer look at an actual bill. The following example is based on a typical residential electric bill in the state of California.

First, you’ll notice the address and account information at the top of the bill. This includes your account number, customer number, and service address. This information is followed by your current charges and credits. In this section, you’ll see the total amount due for the month, as well as any payments or credits that have been applied to your account.

Next, you’ll see a breakdown of your monthly usage charges. This includes the amount of electricity you’ve used (measured in kWh), as well as the rate you’re being charged per kWh. In this example, the customer is being charged $0.12 per kWh, for a total of $39.60 for the month.

The next section of the bill shows your monthly solar PV credit. This is the amount of money you’ve saved by offsetting your electric usage with the electricity generated by your PV system. In this example, the customer has generated 500 kWh of electricity with their PV system, for a total credit of $60.

Finally, you’ll see the total amount due for the month, as well as the date that payment is due. In this example, the customer’s total bill is $39.60, which is due on the 20th of the month.

4. What the different terms mean

Now that you know how to read your solar electric bill, let’s take a look at some of the terms you may see on your bill.

“Grid sent” is the amount of electricity you’ve used from the grid.

“Grid received” is the amount of electricity you’ve sent back to the grid.

“Net usage” is the difference between your “grid sent” and “grid received” numbers. This is the amount of electricity you actually pay for (or receive a credit for, if your “grid received” number is higher than your “grid sent” number).

“Solar PV credit” is the amount of money you’ve saved by offsetting your electric usage with the electricity generated by your PV system.

“Solar PV system size” is the amount of electricity your PV system can generate, measured in kilowatts (kW).

” Solar PV system output” is the actual amount of electricity your PV system has generated, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

“Solar PV system capacity factor” is the percentage of your PV system’s potential output that it actually generates. For example, a PV system with a capacity factor of 50% would generate half of the electricity it could generate if it were operating at 100% capacity.

“Feed-in tariff” is a rate you’re paid for the electricity you generate with your PV system. In some cases, you may be able to sell the electricity you generate back to the grid at a higher rate than you’re charged for the electricity you use from the grid.

“Net metering” is a system that allows you to offset your electric usage with the electricity generated by your PV system. In most cases, you’ll only be charged for the “net” amount of electricity you use (the difference between the electricity you use from the grid and the electricity you generate with your PV system).

“Solar renewable energy credits” (SRECs) are credits that can be sold or traded, and are based on the amount of electricity your PV system generates. SRECs can be used to offset the cost of installing a PV system.

“Solar electric rate” is the rate you’re charged per kWh of electricity you use from the grid. Solar electric rates vary depending on the state you live in, as well as your utility company.

“Demand charge” is a charge you may see on your electric bill that’s based on the amount of electricity you use at any given time (measured in kilowatts, or kW). Demand charges are typically only applied to commercial customers.

“Solar PV system payback period” is the amount of time it takes for your PV system to generate enough electricity to offset the cost of installing and maintaining it. Payback periods vary depending on the size and location of your PV system, as well as the solar electric rates in your area.

5. What you can do if you think you’re being overcharged

If you think you’re being overcharged for the electricity you’ve used, there are a few things you can do.

First, check your bill to make sure all of the charges are accurate. If you see anything that doesn’t look right, contact your utility company and ask them to explain the charges.

Next, compare your electric bill to your PV system’s production. If your PV system is producing more electricity than you’re being charged for, you may want to consider switching to a net metering plan.

Finally, if you’re still not happy with the amount you’re being charged, you can always switch to another electric provider. Just be sure to do your research first and compare rates to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

6. Tips for reducing your solar electric bill

There are a few things you can do to reduce your solar electric bill.

First, make sure your PV system is sized correctly. A properly sized PV system will offset a larger portion of your electric usage, resulting in a lower bill.

Next, take advantage of net metering. Net metering allows you to offset your electric usage with the electricity your PV system generates, which can result in a lower bill.

Finally, make sure you’re getting the best solar electric rate. Solar electric rates vary depending on the state you live in, as well as your utility company. Shopping around and comparing rates to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

With these tips, you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your PV system and keeping your solar electric bill as low as possible.