We know you’re eager to see your electricity bill go down now that you have your new solar system up and running. If you haven’t noticed a big change just yet, don’t worry! We’ll walk you through why your savings might take a little time to show up, and how your system is still set up for long-term success.
1. Seasonality and Weather Variations
Solar energy production naturally fluctuates throughout the year. In the colder months, there are fewer daylight hours and the sun’s angle is lower. Snow, clouds, and other weather-related factors can further reduce production.
It’s also common to use more energy in the winter—especially if you have electric heating—which can make your bill seem higher, even though your panels are working just as they should. Learn more about how seasonality affects solar production.
Rest Assured: As the days get longer and sunnier, your system is likely to produce more energy, helping you see a greater impact on your monthly bill. This seasonal change is part of why we focus on yearly performance rather than month-to-month or quarter-to-quarter.
2. Full-Year Performance vs. Short-Term Results
Your solar system is designed and modeled to perform over a full 12-month cycle. While the first 90 days can give you a helpful snapshot, they don’t show the complete picture of how your system will perform over the year. Solar production naturally peaks during sunnier seasons and may dip in the winter—but over time, these highs and lows usually balance out to match your expected annual output.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your dashboard for daily or monthly production data. This can help you see how your system is performing throughout each season.
3. Our 90% Solar Performance Guarantee
Your peace of mind is important to us. That’s why we stand behind our systems with a 90% production guarantee. If your solar panels don’t produce at least 90% of the energy we estimated over the course of the year, we’ll make it right. This assurance is designed to protect you from any significant shortfall in your expected solar output. Learn how it works.
What does this mean for you?
If after 36 months, your system hasn’t produced the energy it was projected to, we’ll take steps to correct it.
You won’t be left without support or solutions, even if production falls short for reasons beyond your control (e.g., less-than-expected sunlight).
4. Net Metering
Net metering is how homeowners with solar panels get credit for the extra electricity their system generates and sends back to the grid. This credit helps offset the cost of electricity they pull from the grid when their solar panels aren't producing enough. While it traditionally meant a one-to-one exchange for electricity, policies vary widely now. The specific net metering rates and rules depend on your state and even your local utility company, so it's important to check with your provider to see how your solar energy will be credited. Explore more about net metering.
Additional Tips
Monitor Your Energy Consumption: It’s common for households to use more electricity during certain times of the year. Make sure to compare your bills not just to previous months, but to the same month in prior years.
Review System Monitoring: Regularly check your solar production data. Seeing real-time or monthly outputs can help you understand seasonality’s impact and reassure you that your system is working properly.
Have questions? We're here for you!
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 855-339-1831
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