Still Getting an Electric Bill After Getting Solar in FL? Here’s Why and What You Can Do

Still Getting an Electric Bill After Getting Solar in FL? Here’s Why and What You Can Do.

So, you’ve made the switch to solar energy. You’ve got those shiny panels up on your roof, and you’re feeling good about reducing your carbon footprint and saving on energy costs. But wait—why are you still getting an electric bill? At Horizon Energy Solutions, we hear this question a lot from homeowners in Southwest Florida, especially during the summer months. Let’s explore any reasons behind those annoying leftover electric bills and what you can do to end them once and for all.

Understanding Solar Energy Production

First off, let’s talk about how solar panels generate electricity. Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic cells. These cells capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then changes this DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which powers your home.

However, several factors can impact how much electricity your solar panels produce. Weather conditions, shading, and the orientation of your panels all play a role. Here in Florida, we get plenty of sunshine, but it’s not always consistent. A cloudy day or a shaded roof can significantly reduce your panels’ efficiency.

Record-Breaking Heat in Florida

Now, let’s talk about something that hit us hard this year—record-breaking heat. In May 2024, we experienced some of the highest temperatures on record. Cities like Miami averaged 83.7°F, which is way above the normal 80.1°F【source: NOAA】. Fort Lauderdale saw averages of 85.1°F, while West Palm Beach hit 84.2°F【source: NOAA】. This extreme heat continued into early June, with heat indices reaching dangerous levels.

Impact on Solar Production

You might think more sun equals more solar power, but that’s not entirely true. High temperatures can actually decrease the efficiency of your solar panels. Solar cells work best at cooler temperatures, and when it’s scorching outside, their ability to convert sunlight into electricity drops. So, during these record-breaking heatwaves, your panels might not be performing at their peak, leading to less solar energy production and more reliance on the grid.

Increased Energy Consumption

On top of that, the extreme heat means we’re cranking up our air conditioners to stay cool. Air conditioning units are some of the biggest energy consumers in our homes. When we have to run them more often and for longer periods, our energy consumption skyrockets. Even with solar panels, if your system isn’t big enough to cover this increased usage, you’ll still see an electric bill.

Net Metering in Florida

Florida’s net metering policies allow you to receive credits for any excess solar energy you send back to the grid. It sounds great, but there are limitations. Net metering credits might not cover your entire electric bill, especially if there are fixed charges or fees from your utility company. According to the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Florida’s net metering rules are outdated and don’t provide fair compensation for solar customers【source: SACE】. Plus, a proposed bill in the Florida legislature aims to reduce these credits, which could lead to higher electric bills for solar homeowners.

System Size and Energy Usage

The size of your solar panel system matters a lot. If your system isn’t sized appropriately for your household’s energy consumption, you’ll still need to draw electricity from the grid, resulting in an electric bill. The average monthly electric bill for solar panel owners in Florida is $84【source: SEIA】. That’s because most systems are designed to offset a portion of your energy use, not all of it.

Evaluating Your System

At Horizon Energy Solutions, we always emphasize the importance of sizing your system correctly. If you find that your system isn’t meeting your energy needs, it might be time to consider a system extension. Adding more panels can help increase your energy production, especially during those peak summer months.

Fixed Charges and Fees

Utility companies in Florida often charge fixed monthly fees or minimum charges, which will appear on your electric bill even if you have solar panels. These charges can include customer service fees, distribution charges, and transmission charges. The Solar Energy Industries Association has noted that Florida utilities have proposed increasing these fixed charges while reducing net metering credits, which could significantly impact the economics of going solar【source: SEIA】.

Timing of Energy Production and Consumption

One of the less obvious reasons you might still get an electric bill is the timing of your energy production and consumption. Solar panels produce the most electricity during the day when the sun is shining. But if you’re like most people, you’re not home during the day to use that electricity. Instead, you use more electricity in the evenings when you’re home, and the sun is down, so you’re drawing power from the grid.

Aligning Consumption with Production

To make the most of your solar energy, try to shift some of your energy usage to daylight hours. For instance, run your dishwasher, washing machine, or other energy-intensive appliances during the day. You can also invest in smart home technologies that help you manage and optimize your energy usage.

What You Can Do

So, what can you do to minimize those electric bills and make the most of your solar investment? Here are a few practical steps:

Maximize Solar Energy Usage

• Shift energy-intensive tasks: Use appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers during peak solar production hours.
• Smart home technologies: Implement energy-efficient practices and smart thermostats to better manage your energy consumption.
• Energy storage solutions: Consider investing in a battery storage system to store excess solar energy for use during the evenings.

System Extension

• Evaluate your system size: If your current system isn’t covering your energy needs, it might be time to add more panels.
• Consult with experts: Our team at Horizon Energy Solutions can help assess your current system and recommend the best options for expansion.

Home Energy Assessment

• Identify efficiency improvements: A home energy assessment can highlight areas where you can improve your home’s energy efficiency.
• Insulation and sealing: Ensure your home is well-insulated and sealed to reduce cooling costs.
• Radiant barriers: These can help reflect heat away from your home, keeping it cooler.
• Smart thermostats: These devices can help you better manage your heating and cooling, saving you money.
• New windows and doors: Energy-efficient windows and doors can make a big difference in your home’s overall efficiency.

Staying Informed and Proactive

• Policy changes: Stay updated on any changes in solar policies and advocate for fair compensation.
• Professional consultations: Regularly consult with solar professionals to optimize your system’s performance and address any issues.

FAQ's

Why am I still getting an electric bill even with solar panels?

Multiple factors including system size, energy consumption, net metering limitations, and fixed utility charges contribute to continued electric bills.

How can I reduce my electric bill with solar panels?

Maximize solar usage during peak production hours, use energy-efficient appliances, consider energy storage solutions, and potentially extend your system.

What is net metering and how does it affect my electric bill?

Net metering allows you to receive credits for excess solar energy sent to the grid, but it may not cover all charges on your bill.

Will proposed legislative changes impact my solar savings?

Yes, changes to net metering policies and fixed charges could increase your electric bill.

Conclusion

Switching to solar energy is a smart move, but it’s important to understand why you might still see an electric bill. From system size and energy usage to net metering policies and extreme weather conditions, several factors can affect your savings. By optimizing your solar usage, considering system extensions, and improving your home’s energy efficiency, you can minimize those bills and maximize your investment.

At Horizon Energy Solutions, we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you’re curious about how much you could save with solar or if you need a system evaluation, try our free solar calculator below. Together, we can make your home more energy-efficient and reduce your reliance on the grid.

References

• NOAA climate data
• Southern Alliance for Clean Energy on net metering policies
• Solar Energy Industries Association on fixed charges and net metering credits
• RunOnSun blog post on solar high bills