Why Are Your Nexamp Invoices Different in Summer and Winter?
Introduction
As a community solar customer, you might notice that your Nexamp bills vary from month to month. This common fluctuation is due to seasonal changes in solar power production. Longer, sunnier summer days generate more energy, increasing your credits, while shorter, cloudier winter days result in fewer credits. Understand these seasonal variations can help you see how you save on your annual electricity costs and better appreciate the long-term benefits of community solar.
Your Share of the Solar Farm Was Calculated to Cover Your Average Annual Energy Demand
During enrollment, Nexamp uses your previous utility bills to match you with the right number of solar panels on a solar farm.
- For example, if you spend $1,200 on electricity per year, we'll match you up with enough solar panels to produce about the same amount annually.
How do the seasons affect my utility bills and Nexamp invoices?
Solar farms generate varying amounts of electricity throughout the year, similar to how your electricity usage varies from month to month.
- During the summer, it is common for your share of the farm to produce more credits than are needed to offset your electricity bill.
- In these cases, your utility will “bank” these excess credits and apply them to other months to make your applied credits more consistent throughout the year.
How Your Utility Bills and Nexamp Invoices are Affected in the Summer Months
- Solar panels produce more energy, leading to more credits.
- Your Nexamp invoice may even be higher than your utility bill. However, you will "bank" these extra credits for later use.
- For example, if your July utility bill is $100, but your portion of the farm generates $200 worth of community solar credits, you will have a $100 credit banked towards future utility bills.
- You can think of your summer bills as prepaying part of your winter bills.
- Because Nexamp won’t invoice you until after your utility has credited your account, you will see those higher Nexamp Invoices in August, September, and October.
How Your Utility Bills and Nexamp Invoices are Affected in the Winter Months
- Solar production decreases, leading to fewer credits generated in the winter.
- This means you'll owe more to your utility company than the value of the community solar credits generated would cover.
- For example, if your January utility bill is $200, but your portion of the farm generates $100 worth of community solar credits, your utility bill would be $100! Your banked credits from the summer can be used to cover the remaining difference.
- Unused credits generated during long summer days will be used during winter months.
We’re Here to Help
Understanding the seasonal shifts in solar generation is key to optimizing your experience with Nexamp. Nexamp Community Solar is designed to ensure that you benefit from solar energy year-round. Your portion of the farm is sized to account for seasonal changes. The amount of credits your farm generates over the course of the year should be enough to offset your annual electricity usage. As long as you can bear the higher costs in the summer, you'll realize those savings over the course of the year.
If you're concerned about unused credits or still paying a large balance to your utility each month, it could be a sign that your subscription size needs adjusting. You can reach out to our team to help.