Why do I still have a utility bill with solar?
Even with solar panels, you're still connected to your local utility grid. The law requires this connection, ensuring you always have access to electricity when your system isn't producing enough power, like at night or on cloudy days.
Your utility bill covers grid access fees and any extra energy you may need to purchase from them when solar production is low.
For example, if your solar system generates 29.1 kWh but your household consumes 31.9 kWh, the remaining energy comes from your utility.
Will I get two bills?
Yes. You'll receive two separate bills each month:
Palmetto Energy Plan bill: your payment to Palmetto for your solar system and energy plan
Utility bill: from your local utility, covering grid access and any additional energy drawn from the grid
Your solar system reduces your reliance on the grid, so while it may feel like a double bill, your utility charges should be lower than they were before solar.
How does my Palmetto payment work?
Your monthly Palmetto payment is based on estimated solar production and is fixed at the start of your plan. It may increase slightly each year based on a pre-set annual rate escalator of 0-3.5%, which is outlined in your agreement.
Your Palmetto Energy Plan also includes a 90% performance and production guarantee. Every three years, your system's actual production is reviewed against the guaranteed amount. If your system produces less than 90% of the guaranteed energy, Palmetto will credit you the difference based on the energy price terms in your agreement.
How soon will I start saving?
For most customers, savings show up within the first year. That said, the exact amount can vary based on your energy usage, utility rates, and how much electricity your system produces. Solar is a long-term investment, and savings tend to grow over time as you optimize your energy habits.
Your first utility bill after activation may still include charges for electricity used before or during the activation process. Additionally, it can take up to three full billing cycles (approximately three months) for your utility billing to fully align with your solar system’s production and the credits it generates. Evaluating your savings over a full year rather than a single month can provide a clearer picture of your solar benefits, accounting for seasonal production and usage patterns.
How can I reduce my utility bill?
Switch to energy-efficient appliances. LED bulbs, energy-efficient refrigerators, and smart thermostats all help reduce your overall consumption.
Use energy during sunny hours. Run your dishwasher, washing machine, and other high-energy appliances during the day when your panels are producing the most power.
Why is my bill still as high as before solar?
A few things can keep your bill higher than expected, even with solar working correctly. Your plan may include a small annual rate increase, your household may be using more energy than before, and production naturally dips in shorter, cloudier months. Your Palmetto payment stays fixed; the part that moves is your utility bill, which reflects how much grid power you use and the rates your utility sets.
What if my savings don't match what I was quoted?
The estimate at the time of sale was based on your system size, local utility rates, and past energy use. Real-life factors can shift those numbers: utility rates may have gone up, your household may be using more or less energy than before, or weather and shading may have looked different than projected.
If your savings look well off from what you were promised, reach out and ask for a Bill Review. We'll compare your system's actual production against your current rates and walk you through exactly where the difference is coming from.
Why am I being charged during an outage or before my system was activated?
Your home runs on grid electricity until your utility grants Permission to Operate (PTO). Until PTO is approved, your solar system can't offset your usage, so your utility charges you for the power you're using. Palmetto billing only starts after PTO approval, not when panels are installed or when the system begins producing.
So if you're seeing a charge before your system is fully active, it's coming from your utility for grid power, not from Palmetto.
Once your system is active, outages work similarly: if your system goes offline for equipment issues, inverter maintenance, or grid requirements, your home pulls 100% from the utility until it's back up, which will show up on your utility bill.
If your system has been down longer than expected or you have questions about your PTO timeline, reach out and we'll take a look.
Questions about your bill? We're here to help.