Why is My Electric Bill So High if I Have Solar Panels?
A high electric bill with solar panels is often caused by a poorly integrated solar system, changes in your energy demands, or a loss of efficiency from old solar panels.
Why Are My Solar Panels Not Saving Me Money?
There are a few common reasons why your current solar panels aren’t saving you money:
- Solar panels lose efficiency with time. Solar panels installed for 15 or more years are likely to have lost 15% to 20% of their original efficiency.
- Your system might not have been correctly sized for your home when installed.
- Your energy demands might have changed over the years. If your family has grown, you have purchased an EV, installed a new HVAC system, or added more large appliances to your home, then your current needs might outstrip the benefits of your solar panels.
- New shade structures might be affecting solar panel efficiency. Examples include new construction around your home or tree growth. This could potentially be mitigated by relocating your panels or trimming trees.
Determining the cause of your underperforming solar panels is a complex process. You can talk to local solar installers on Long Island to explore the causes in detail, and potentially plan for a new installation, upgrade, or modifications to get your solar savings back on track.
Can I Change My Solar Panels or Upgrade My System?
If your current solar panels are more than 15 years old, it’s worth considering an upgrade. Solar panel efficiency has come a long way, increasing from around 12% to 15% average in 2010, to 20% to 23% average in 2025. Solar panels you install today will generate more electricity to improve savings.
There are a few things to consider before upgrading your panels:
- What is the current capacity of your solar system?
- Do your panels still generate acceptable savings?
- Have your inverters failed or are they outside of warranty?
- Have your current panels passed the payback period (have total savings exceeded the original installation cost)?
A new solar panel installation on Long Island begins with a detailed consultation and cost/benefit analysis. You can talk to a team like Power Solutions to learn how much you could save with solar, and compare this to the cost to start again. A new solar system will come with a fresh warranty. Modern solar panels are covered for 25 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Solar Panels Lower Your Electric Bill Per Month?
The average solar installation in New York can lower a household’s electric bill by around $125 – $140 per month. This figure will be significantly higher if you install a large solar system that produces 1000 kWh or more per month. Savings are typically best during late spring and throughout summer.
Why is My PSEG Long Island Bill So High Even with Solar Panels?
Your electric bill might be high if your solar system doesn’t have enough capacity to offset your daily energy consumption. Large appliances are usually the cause, including air conditioners, heat pumps, washing machines, and clothes dryers. It could also be high if you have older solar panels (installed more than 15 years ago) that have lost efficiency and are approaching their replacement age.
How Does Billing Work with Solar Panels?
Billing with solar panels on Long Island follows Net Metering rules. When your panels produce electricity, you use this energy in your home. Excess goes to the grid and spins your meter in reverse. This helps to cover your evening usage and days when solar production is low. You are only billed for the “net” of what you use (the amount you consume from the grid, minus the amount you send to the grid.
An efficiently designed and properly installed solar panel system should significantly reduce your electrical bill.
Your Trusted Solar Installer on Long Island
Long Island Power Solutions is now known simply as Power Solutions. We are the same team that has offered exceptional service and connected more than 5,000 homes and businesses to solar.
Is your current solar solution not delivering the savings you expect? Is it time for an upgrade? Talk to us for advice or plan a new home solar installation, and we will help you maximize your budget for dependable savings that last for decades, not years.
Contact Power Solutions for your Long Island solar estimate today.
