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Here’s the situation:

You purchased a new solar panel system last month and received your most recent electricity bill. It shows that you have to pay $100 dollars more than you normally pay in electricity bills. What on earth is going on??

There are a few things that could cause you to end up with high electricity bills AFTER getting a solar system for your home. Let’s take a look at what they are:

1. Reduction to the feed-in tariffs.

Solar retailers were offering generous Feed-in Tariffs to attract solar customers. Previously solar exports or excess energy feed back to the grid was getting up to 20 cents. However, in the last year (2023), we have seen the feed-in tariff drop down from the early late 20 cents to the sub-10 cents mark (between 4 to 7 cents now). The higher feed-in tariff is used to offset the nighttime usage, resulting in no or a very low electricity bill. The reduction in Feed Tariffs has led to an increase in electricity bills.

2. Using Electricity than when you were prior to solar panel installation.

Many consumers think that getting a solar system means never having to worry about electricity bills every again.

But, if the amount of energy consumed at home is more than what your solar panels are able to produce, then your system will need to import energy from the grid. 

This means higher electricity bills.

So how do you know if this is happening in your home?

Get a copy of two electricity bills – A bill from BEFORE installing your solar panel system at home and a bill from AFTER.

  1. Compare the peak and off-peak energy consumption levels between both bills, and see if there are any changes. If you are consuming more energy in this cycle, then it is the likely the root cause of the spike in charges.

3. You are consuming more electricity at night

Solar energy is consumed as it is being generated. This means, when the sun is out, your appliances are powered by free solar energy. When the sun is down, your appliances are powered by imported grid energy. The latter is a main contributor to high electricity bills.

Consider your usage of air-conditioners, electric stoves, water heaters, laptops, mobile chargers & other household appliances. How many of these appliances are being used during daytime vs at night?

Any electricity use at night means that your system will import grid energy because your panels are not producing energy at this time.

solar electricity generated and consumed at home enphase energy chart

The Enphase Enlighten mobile app is a great interphase that allows microinverter system owners to monitor individual solar panel energy production, home electricity consumption and amount of electricity being imported or exported to the grid. This gives users a better control over their solar system and the ability to spot if something is amiss.

 

4. Weather is not conducive to solar energy production.

single house in the middle of field with dark rain clouds and storm

The more sunlight there is, the more solar energy your solar panels can produce. The more energy being produced and consumed, the lesser your electricity bills.

However, there are periods where the weather in Sydney and other major parts of New South Wales is absolutely terrible for solar energy production. Things like rainy, storms & heavy clouds can block sunlight from reaching your panels and ultimately impact energy production.

Unfortunately, natural weather changes are beyond anyone’s control. But the good news is, it is an indicator that the low energy production is only temporary, and your panels will be very productive once the weather improves.

5. The Solar System is not switched on after the solar meter Installation

After a solar system is installed in your home, you will need a solar meter to record the import and export of your electricity. The solar meter is usually installed by your energy retailer. Normally, solar installers would advise you to leave your solar system off until the new solar meter is installed.

solar energy meter box switch board

However, there might a chance the solar system is not switched back on after the solar meter installation. The customer, thinking that they’re already enjoying the benefits of solar energy, starts using every appliance he has under the roof. Then comes the bombshell that is the quarterly electricity bill.

The easiest thing you can do to prevent this from happening is, to ask your solar panel installer. They should be able to confirm if the system is up and running or if the solar system is still switched off.

6. There is an issue with your solar energy system.

technician fixing wires in electricity switchboard

If all the previous factors have remained constant for you and yet your energy bills are higher than usual, then there could be a chance that your solar panels are faulty.

The best thing you can do in this case is:

  1. Check your solar monitoring app. This will confirm how much energy is being produced and how much is being used.

  2. Inform your solar panel installer. Your installer will have the necessary technology and expertise to sort out the issue and get your system running again in no time.

RK Solar can help you with solar installations

Finding the right solar panel installer in Sydney can save you months of headaches and frustration. RK Solar & Consulting has a fantastic track record of keeping our customers happy and providing excellent technical support.

Our customers are like our family. We believe in taking care of them, long after the solar system installation has been completed. This is why we keep getting repeated orders from our existing customers. 

Our office in Castle Hill is staffed by highly qualified engineers, a service team and sales team who oversee residential and commercial solar installations in Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, South Coast and Central Coast regions of NSW.

Get a solar quote for your premises today. Give us a call at (02) 9659 1034 or email us at info@rksolar.net.

Contact Us

Head Office

Unit 21/6 Gladstone Rd, Castle Hill NSW 2154

Victoria Office

34 Chartwell Drive, Wantirna Victoria 3152

Phone Inquiry

1800 338 809

Email Us

info@rksolar.net

We design and install high quality residential and commercial solar panels and solar battery systems with the highest quality solar technology.

Contact Us

Head Office

Unit 21/6 Gladstone Rd, Castle Hill NSW 2154

Victoria Office

34 Chartwell Drive, Wantirna Victoria 3152

Phone Inquiry

1800 338 809

Email Us

info@rksolar.net

We design and install high quality residential and commercial solar panels and solar battery systems with the highest quality solar technology.