Path-Q Solar

Should I get a solar quote if my electricity bill is unusually low this year?

Answer

Yes, you can obtain a quote, but do not let one unusually low year determine system size. Tell the installer why usage was low and ask for designs based on representative historical use and plausible future changes.

Key points

  • Separate lower electricity use from lower bills caused by temporary credits, billing changes, vacancies, or unusual weather.
  • Provide older bills or other records if this year's use does not reflect normal occupancy or equipment operation.
  • Explain planned EVs, electrification, additions, occupancy changes, and efficiency projects.
  • Ask for a quote that shows monthly production, expected self-consumption, and sensitivity to higher future use.

What it depends on

  • Reason for the unusually low bill
  • Availability of prior consumption records
  • Expected future loads and occupancy
  • How the system will interact with the applicable billing structure

Risks and trade-offs

  • Sizing to a temporary low-use period can undersize the system for future needs.
  • Sizing to speculative future use can increase cost without guaranteed benefit.
  • A low bill may result from credits or unusual billing rather than low energy consumption.

Information you may need

  • Several years of bills if available
  • Explanation for the low-use year
  • Planned changes to the home and equipment
  • The installer's load assumptions and alternative system sizes

Your next step

What to do next

Get quotes using both representative historical consumption and a documented future-use scenario, then compare the assumptions rather than only the prices.

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