Why Isn’t My Solar Saving Me Money? Understanding Underperformance
If you’ve already installed solar panels on your home, you’re probably expecting lower energy bills. But what happens when those bills don’t drop or not as much as you expected?
It can be frustrating. The good news? You’re not alone, and there are concrete steps you can take to understand (and fix) what’s going on.
First: Is Your System Really Underperforming?
Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to separate your energy usage from your solar energy production. Just because your bill is high doesn’t automatically mean your solar panels aren’t working. You might simply be using more electricity than before.
So, how can you tell if your solar system is the problem?
Most solar installations include a monitoring system, either through an app or a web dashboard, that shows your system’s monthly energy production. If you haven’t checked it recently, that’s the best place to start.
What’s a Normal Solar Production Level?
If you don’t have detailed estimates from your installer, you can do a quick back-of-the-napkin calculation.
For homes in New Jersey, a typical solar panel system produces about 1,200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year for every kilowatt (kW) installed. That means:
- A 5 kW system should produce about 6,000 kWh/year
- A 10 kW system should produce around 12,000 kWh/year
Keep in mind this production varies by season (you’ll get more in summer than in winter), so don’t expect consistent monthly numbers. But comparing current production with past months or seasons can give you a sense of whether something’s wrong.
What to Do If Your System Is Underproducing
- Do a Visual Inspection: Take a safe look at your panels (from the ground or with a ladder if you’re able and comfortable doing so). Look for:
- Leaves, dirt, or debris blocking panels
- Shade from new tree growth or nearby structures
- Any visible damage to panels or mounting structures.
If you see something minor and safe to fix (like brushing off leaves), that may solve your problem right there.
- Contact Your Installer or Maintenance Provider: If nothing seems wrong visually, the issue might be more technical faulty inverters, broken connections, or wiring issues. In that case, it’s time to call in a maintenance professional.
Check your original solar contract or financing agreement. Some systems include maintenance support, especially if you’re leasing or have a service contract. If so, you may be able to get help at no extra cost.
- Why Fixing It Matters: Yes, maintenance can seem expensive. But remember, your solar system isn’t just saving you money on your electricity bill; it might also be generating Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), which have real financial value. Even a small dip in production can cost you money in lost savings and missed REC payments.
Takeaway: Be Proactive
Solar systems are reliable, but they’re not infallible. Take time this month to check your energy production, compare it to past performance, and inspect your system. A little attention now can save you hundreds down the line.
That’s it for today, stay tuned for more tips to make the most of your solar setup!