Why Do I Need To Provide My Electric Bills For A Solar Estimate?

The process of going solar does not have to be complicated. However, it does require answering a good handful of questions and providing important electrical bill information. Between the installers collecting energy usage, site information, energy goals and any applications for solar incentives, you will be asked to provide a lot of information, including, in the case of Eagle Point Solar, a copy of your electric bill. You might begin to question why all of this information is necessary.

In the case of the electric utility bills, the answer is simple, the more precise the information you provide about your electrical usage, the more precisely we can tailor our solar design to fit your energy needs. Many solar companies will guess how much electricity you use and base how much solar you need on their estimations. At Eagle Point Solar, we prefer to deal in facts rather than guesswork.

Providing your annual (12-months) utility bills and monthly kilowatt-hour (kWh) electricity usage provides our design and engineering teams with the information needed to size your new solar array correctly based on your annual consumption of electricity. Obtaining a copy of your most recent electric bill also provides helpful information on your meter, energy costs, utility and verification of address for the installation. Providing your solar company with these critical pieces of information will ensure your system is sized correctly with no surprises after installation.

Why is my monthly kWh usage not enough?

Monthly electricity usage allows us to size a solar array based on your consumption. However, it still leaves a lot of unknowns. Not having the utility bill prevents us from accurately projecting what your post-solar utility bill will be and how much you’ll save by going solar. At Eagle Point Solar, we ask for a copy of one electric bill and 12 months of your kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage. The bill provides us with additional information, including your rate code, which is tied to how much you are charged per kWh. If your utility has time-of-use charges, we can see the difference in rates and the kWh use during on-peak and off-peak hours.

Every utility has a portion of the bill which is fees, including taxes and meter charges. Knowing these numbers, we can show our clients accurate reports detailing what they can expect their utility bills to total after installing solar, as non-usage-related utility costs are not eliminated. Additionally, if you purchase a solar array, the bill provides us with the information necessary to accurately complete solar interconnection paperwork for the utility.

How did I get an accurate solar quote in an hour without a utility bill from another company?

In reality, you didn’t. You received ballpark numbers; they are close but not as accurate as they should be. Solar panels are a significant purchase which are built to last decades. Find a company that, instead of providing a quote on the fly, will take the time to match the numbers to your specific situation. Imagine a contractor quoting a kitchen renovation without knowing what the customer wants or needs in the remodel. Quick solar quotes are similar. Many variables affect the type of solar energy system that is right for you and how much you will save. The direction of the roof, shading, electrical changes, utility policies and local zoning rules are a few of these variables.

We often hear, “Build it bigger just in case and I can make money on what energy I don’t use.” Bigger is not always better. You will end up paying for more than you need. Plus, many utilities will limit the size of an array based on historical usage, with some allowance for future growth. If changes are required, this could delay the process. If the utility does allow the larger build, the amount it pays you for the over-production could be significantly less than the retail value and expectation. The only reason to oversize a solar array is if you anticipate increases in consumption in the near future.

Should I be concerned about providing my utility bill?

The short answer is no. The information on your utility bill, including account number, isn’t enough to access your account. It does not contain your passwords, your security question answers, or access to your email. Many utilities even require your social security number to access information. Your account is safe. At Eagle Point Solar, we do not share or sell your information with anyone outside our organization.

The Eagle Point Solar Difference

At Eagle Point Solar, we do require information and in-depth conversations with our clients. That’s because we care about your investment and want to ensure that it works as you expect it to. All solar array owners have unique energy requirements, and the process of purchasing solar should reflect that. This ensures that you receive a tailored, turnkey solution that maximizes your energy savings. If you are serious about learning if solar is right for you, rest assured asking for a copy of an electric bill is a standard procedure from solar companies who wish to provide you with an accurate analysis.

Are you ready to explore solar? Contact us today to start your solar journey.