Why Your PG&E Bill Isn’t $0 After Going Solar (And Why That’s Normal)
Many homeowners are surprised by their first PG&E bill after going solar. Understanding what’s normal — and what’s not — is key.
You finally went solar — congrats! Your system is up, the sun is shining, and then… your PG&E bill shows up. And it’s not zero.
Wait, what?
If you were expecting a $0 bill (or even a credit), you’re not alone. Many California homeowners are caught off guard by their first bill post-install. The good news? It’s almost never a sign that something’s wrong. Let’s break down what’s actually going on — and what to expect moving forward.
What That First Bill Really Shows
Let’s start with the elephant in the mailbox: your first PG&E bill after solar.
It might look higher than you expected. It might show charges even though your panels are cranking away. Here’s why:
Partial Billing Cycles
Your billing period may overlap with the install and Permission to Operate (PTO) dates. That means part of the bill reflects pre-solar usage, and part reflects your new solar production — but not all of it gets counted the same way.
Carried-Over Balances
Any usage you racked up before your system went live (but wasn’t yet billed) still has to be paid. PG&E doesn’t hit the reset button just because you went solar.
Gas + Electric Combined
If you’re a dual-service customer (most people are), remember: solar only offsets electricity. You’ll still get charged for gas usage, delivery, and meter fees — and they’re bundled into the same statement.
How Solar Credits Work
It’s time to meet your new best frenemy: the Net Energy Metering (NEM) system. This is how PG&E tracks what you use vs what you export.
Real-Time Usage vs Export
Your home uses solar power first, directly. If you generate more than you use at any moment, the excess goes back to the grid. That’s what creates a credit.
But if you’re using more than your system is producing (like at night or on cloudy days), you’re pulling from the grid — and that’s a charge.
What Gets Credited
Only exported electricity earns you credits. Things like minimum delivery charges, gas service, and non-bypassable charges (NBCs) are not covered by your solar production.
The True-Up, Explained
Each month, PG&E tracks the net of all this activity. But the final reconciliation — the True-Up — happens once a year. That’s when they add it all up: what you used, what you exported, and what you owe (or are owed).
What to Expect on Future Bills
Once you understand the rhythm of solar billing, things start to make more sense. Here’s what to expect:
Small Charges Aren’t a Problem
Many solar customers still see monthly charges — typically for meter fees, NBCs, or grid usage at night. That’s normal, and usually minor.
Credits Build Over Time
Spring and summer often mean extra production and big export credits. Those help cover higher usage in fall and winter. Think of it like an energy savings account.
The True-Up Is the Final Word
At your 12-month mark, PG&E calculates everything. If your solar system was sized well and your usage hasn’t dramatically changed, your True-Up bill should be modest — or even negative.
Still Confused? We’re Happy to Help.
We get it — PG&E billing isn’t exactly intuitive. That’s why we walk our customers through it every step of the way.
Need help reading your bill? Want to make sure your system is performing as expected?
Book a True-Up Tune-Up™ — or contact us anytime.
And if you want to dive deeper, here’s a step-by-step guide to finding your PG&E Solar Summary.