Will I still receive an electric bill after installing solar panels?

Short answer: Yes, but your “cost” will be significantly reduced or eliminated!

However, Utility NET Metering Agreements provide for you to receive your normal electric bill after installing solar panels. However, the new bill will calculate the amount of power consumed from the Grid vs. Solar Power produced. The “NET” is the difference. If you produce more power than consumed (thats the goal) then you wont owe. Some months you’ll over produce and those credits are pushed forward to the next month. Sonny Solar engineers design the system based on your annual consumption with the goal of making your “NET” as close to zero as possible.

Factors Affecting Your Electric Bill

• System Size vs. Energy Consumption: If your solar system produces enough energy to cover your total consumption, your bill could be reduced significantly, show a zero balance or even a credit.
• Service Fees: Regardless of how much energy your solar panels produce, utility companies often charge a small basic service fee for grid connection and maintenance. This means you'll still get a bill even if your solar panels generate enough electricity to cover your usage.
• Excess Production: In some cases, if your system produces more electricity than you use, the excess can be fed back into the grid, potentially earning you credits or payments from the utility company. These credits can offset future bills when your production exceeds your consumption.
• Backup Power: Without battery storage, you'll draw power from the grid when your solar panels are not producing electricity, such as nighttime, super bad weather days and shorter days in the winter. This will contribute to your electric bill.

In summary, while installing solar panels can significantly reduce your electric bill, most homeowners will still receive a bill for basic service fees, additional grid electricity usage, and possibly other associated costs. Net metering can further reduce costs by compensating for excess energy production.