The Role of Solar Energy in Achieving Earth Day 2025 Goals
April 21, 2025
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“Wait, Where’s My Solar?”
So, you’ve gone solar. You made the investment, your solar panels are shining on the roof, and your monitoring app shows kilowatt-hours being produced like clockwork. Yet—your electric bill arrives and… it’s confusing, or worse, disappointing.
Where’s all the “Solar energy”?
The truth is, your electric bill only reflects part of your solar story. To truly understand the costs and credits post-solar, you need to dive into how your system interacts with the utility grid, your energy consumption habits, and—most importantly—your state’s net metering policy.
Watch This First: How Solar Flows in Your Home
How Solar Energy Works in Your Home
1. Solar Powers Your Home First
When the sun is up, your panels generate electricity that powers your home’s devices and appliances in real time.
2. Excess Energy: To the Grid or Your Battery
- Without Battery: Extra energy flows back to the utility grid.
- With Battery Storage: Extra energy is stored in the battery for later use—like at night or during a power outage.
This is where net metering comes into play.
What Is Net Metering?
Net metering is a billing system that allows you to earn credits for the excess electricity your solar panels generate and send to the grid.
Basic Concept:
- You get credited for every kWh you send to the grid.
- You pay for the energy you pull from the grid when solar isn’t available (nighttime, cloudy days).
- Your electric bill reflects the net difference:
California Net Metering Evolution: NEM 1.0 to NEM 3.0
California has been a solar leader—but policies have evolved over time:
🔹 NEM 1.0 (Pre-July 1, 2017)
- Full retail credit for excess solar.
- Minimal fees.
- Very solar-friendly for early adopters.
- Grandfathered for 20 years from installation.
🔹 NEM 2.0 (July 1, 2017 – April 14, 2023)
- Still offered retail rate credits, but added:
- Time-of-Use (TOU) rates: Electricity prices change based on the time of day.
- Interconnection fees.
- Non-bypassable charges for grid maintenance.
- Time-of-Use (TOU) rates: Electricity prices change based on the time of day.
🔹 NEM 3.0 (Effective April 15, 2023)
- Major shift: Introduced Net Billing.
- Exported energy is credited at avoided cost rates—a fraction of retail prices.
- Strong financial incentive to add battery storage to use your own energy.
- Homeowners without batteries earn significantly less for exported solar.
Source: California Public Utilities Commission – Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0)
Utility-Specific Differences in California
California’s three major investor-owned utilities (IOUs) now operate under NEM 3.0, but your experience may vary slightly based on your utility provider:
🔸 PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric)
- Time-of-Use plans are mandatory under NEM 2.0 and NEM 3.0.
- Export rates range between $0.05 – $0.08/kWh on average under NEM 3.0.
- Incentivizes battery pairing for optimal savings.
🔗 Learn more: PG&E Solar Billing
🔸 SCE (Southern California Edison)
- Similar time-based rates and export credit schedules.
- NEM 3.0 customers may benefit more from load shifting and energy storage.
🔗 Learn more: SCE NEM 3.0 Info
🔸 SDG&E (San Diego Gas & Electric)
- Implements some of the lowest avoided cost rates among IOUs.
- Credits for exported energy can drop below $0.05/kWh during midday.
🔗 Learn more: SDG&E Net Energy Metering
Why Doesn’t My Electric Bill Show My Solar Production?
Your utility bill only shows grid interaction, not your total solar output. That’s because utilities don’t monitor what your panels produce—just the energy you:
- Pull from the grid
- Send back to the grid
To see total solar production, you need to check your solar monitoring app, such as:
- Tesla Solar App
- Enphase Enlighten
Visual Analogy: Solar = A Checking Account
- Deposits = Energy sent to the grid or stored in your battery.
- Withdrawals = Energy pulled from the grid.
- Bill = The net balance of those transactions.
Think of your utility bill like a bank statement—it only shows what came in and out, not what you earned at your “job.”
Understanding Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates
Under NEM 2.0 and 3.0, your rate varies by time of day:
*Check your bill to see the exact hours and rates.
Tip: Use appliances during off-peak hours and store solar in your battery to use later during peak rates.
See Your Full Energy Picture: Use Your Monitoring App
To get a clear view of your solar performance, use your app to monitor:
- Total solar production
- Real-time home usage
- Battery charging/discharging
Grid import/export
State-Specific Policies Beyond California
Policies vary widely across the U.S. For example:
- Florida: Maintains 1:1 net metering as of 2024.
- Arizona: Credits are based on avoided cost, similar to NEM 3.0.
- New York: Uses “Value of Distributed Energy Resources” (VDER) instead of traditional net metering.
🗺️ Find your state’s solar policies:
🔗 DSIREUSA – Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
Conclusion: Let the Sun Work for You
Understanding your solar electric bill starts with recognizing what your utility tracks—and what they don’t. With changes in net metering and varying credit rates, your solar journey is more than just panels on a roof. By using your monitoring tools, understanding time-based billing, and keeping up with state policies, you can take full control of your energy and savings.
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National Renewable Energy Day & Earth Hour
Why Your Actions Matter
Every year, two powerful environmental awareness events remind us why our choices matter—National Renewable Energy Day, observed on March 21st, and Earth Hour, held annually on the last Saturday of March. While the dates stay the same, the message behind them remains urgent and timeless: our planet needs action now.
These events aren’t just symbolic—they’re a global wake-up call. The good news? Even small actions can lead to significant, positive change. Here’s why these observances matter all year long—and how you can take part anytime.
Why National Renewable Energy Day Is More Important Than Ever
Why dedicate a whole day to renewable energy? Because the world is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels, and that dependence comes with a steep environmental cost. Fossil fuels are not only finite—they’re also a leading contributor to climate change.
Since its start in 2004, National Renewable Energy Day has promoted clean, sustainable energy sources such as:
Today, renewable energy isn’t just a futuristic idea—it’s a growing reality. Countries worldwide are increasing their investments, and renewable energy capacity is expected to more than double by 2030.
Earth Hour: More Than Just Turning Off the Lights
Earth Hour, initiated in 2007 by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), began as a symbolic hour of darkness to raise awareness about climate change. It happens every year on the last Saturday of March at 8:30 p.m. local time, but its message resonates every day.
The current theme, “Give an Hour for Earth,” expands the concept beyond just turning off lights. It’s about giving one hour of your time to the planet by:
- Learning about sustainable living
- Volunteering in your community
- Cleaning up a local park
- Planting trees
- Committing to a lower-carbon lifestyle
Even outside of that specific hour, Earth Hour encourages a simple truth: individual actions matter.
How These Two Events Work Together
While National Renewable Energy Day promotes long-term change through clean energy and sustainable innovation, Earth Hour focuses on the power of individual effort and everyday choices.
Together, they represent a unified movement toward a healthier planet. National Renewable Energy Day lays the foundation for a fossil-fuel-free future, and Earth Hour energizes individuals to be part of the solution—starting now.
What Can You Do? (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Ready to get involved? You don’t need a special occasion to take action. Here are some practical steps you can take today:
MAKE THE SWITCH TO SOLAR ENERGY
- Research solar panel options for your home. (They can reduce your utility bills!)
- Look into community solar, wind, or hydropower programs in your area.
Participate in Earth Hour
- Turn off non-essential lights for one hour
- Use that hour to plan eco-friendly habits
- Host a local event or share tips online
Cut Down Your Energy Use
- Replace old bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs
- Unplug devices when not in use
- Invest in energy-saving appliances
Speak Up and Take Action
- Share educational content on social media
- Encourage local leaders to support sustainable policies
- Support green energy businesses in your area
Looking Ahead: A Future Powered by Renewable Energy
The shift is happening. More nations are investing in renewable infrastructure. More companies are prioritizing sustainability. And more individuals—like you—are making conscious choices to reduce their impact.
At LA Solar Group, we’re committed to making renewable energy accessible, affordable, and effective for homes and businesses. Whether you’re considering solar panels or simply cutting back on energy usage, every step matters.
So, whether it’s March 21st, Earth Hour, or any day of the year, your actions truly make a difference.
Join the Movement. Take Action. Power a Sustainable Future.
“Wait, Where’s My Solar?”
So, you’ve gone solar. You made the investment, your solar panels are shining on the roof, and your monitoring app shows kilowatt-hours being produced like clockwork. Yet—your electric bill arrives and… it’s confusing, or worse, disappointing.
Where’s all the “Solar energy”?
The truth is, your electric bill only reflects part of your solar story. To truly understand the costs and credits post-solar, you need to dive into how your system interacts with the utility grid, your energy consumption habits, and—most importantly—your state’s net metering policy.
Watch This First: How Solar Flows in Your Home
How Solar Energy Works in Your Home
1. Solar Powers Your Home First
When the sun is up, your panels generate electricity that powers your home’s devices and appliances in real time.
2. Excess Energy: To the Grid or Your Battery
- Without Battery: Extra energy flows back to the utility grid.
- With Battery Storage: Extra energy is stored in the battery for later use—like at night or during a power outage.
This is where net metering comes into play.
What Is Net Metering?
Net metering is a billing system that allows you to earn credits for the excess electricity your solar panels generate and send to the grid.
Basic Concept:
- You get credited for every kWh you send to the grid.
- You pay for the energy you pull from the grid when solar isn’t available (nighttime, cloudy days).
- Your electric bill reflects the net difference:
California Net Metering Evolution: NEM 1.0 to NEM 3.0
California has been a solar leader—but policies have evolved over time:
🔹 NEM 1.0 (Pre-July 1, 2017)
- Full retail credit for excess solar.
- Minimal fees.
- Very solar-friendly for early adopters.
- Grandfathered for 20 years from installation.
🔹 NEM 2.0 (July 1, 2017 – April 14, 2023)
- Still offered retail rate credits, but added:
- Time-of-Use (TOU) rates: Electricity prices change based on the time of day.
- Interconnection fees.
- Non-bypassable charges for grid maintenance.
- Time-of-Use (TOU) rates: Electricity prices change based on the time of day.
🔹 NEM 3.0 (Effective April 15, 2023)
- Major shift: Introduced Net Billing.
- Exported energy is credited at avoided cost rates—a fraction of retail prices.
- Strong financial incentive to add battery storage to use your own energy.
- Homeowners without batteries earn significantly less for exported solar.
Source: California Public Utilities Commission – Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0)
Utility-Specific Differences in California
California’s three major investor-owned utilities (IOUs) now operate under NEM 3.0, but your experience may vary slightly based on your utility provider:
🔸 PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric)
- Time-of-Use plans are mandatory under NEM 2.0 and NEM 3.0.
- Export rates range between $0.05 – $0.08/kWh on average under NEM 3.0.
- Incentivizes battery pairing for optimal savings.
🔗 Learn more: PG&E Solar Billing
🔸 SCE (Southern California Edison)
- Similar time-based rates and export credit schedules.
- NEM 3.0 customers may benefit more from load shifting and energy storage.
🔗 Learn more: SCE NEM 3.0 Info
🔸 SDG&E (San Diego Gas & Electric)
- Implements some of the lowest avoided cost rates among IOUs.
- Credits for exported energy can drop below $0.05/kWh during midday.
🔗 Learn more: SDG&E Net Energy Metering
Why Doesn’t My Electric Bill Show My Solar Production?
Your utility bill only shows grid interaction, not your total solar output. That’s because utilities don’t monitor what your panels produce—just the energy you:
- Pull from the grid
- Send back to the grid
To see total solar production, you need to check your solar monitoring app, such as:
- Tesla Solar App
- Enphase Enlighten
Visual Analogy: Solar = A Checking Account
- Deposits = Energy sent to the grid or stored in your battery.
- Withdrawals = Energy pulled from the grid.
- Bill = The net balance of those transactions.
Think of your utility bill like a bank statement—it only shows what came in and out, not what you earned at your “job.”
Understanding Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates
Under NEM 2.0 and 3.0, your rate varies by time of day:
*Check your bill to see the exact hours and rates.
Tip: Use appliances during off-peak hours and store solar in your battery to use later during peak rates.
See Your Full Energy Picture: Use Your Monitoring App
To get a clear view of your solar performance, use your app to monitor:
- Total solar production
- Real-time home usage
- Battery charging/discharging
Grid import/export
State-Specific Policies Beyond California
Policies vary widely across the U.S. For example:
- Florida: Maintains 1:1 net metering as of 2024.
- Arizona: Credits are based on avoided cost, similar to NEM 3.0.
- New York: Uses “Value of Distributed Energy Resources” (VDER) instead of traditional net metering.
🗺️ Find your state’s solar policies:
🔗 DSIREUSA – Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
Conclusion: Let the Sun Work for You
Understanding your solar electric bill starts with recognizing what your utility tracks—and what they don’t. With changes in net metering and varying credit rates, your solar journey is more than just panels on a roof. By using your monitoring tools, understanding time-based billing, and keeping up with state policies, you can take full control of your energy and savings.
Recommended Resources
Share
Search
Recent Posts
The Role of Solar Energy in Achieving Earth Day 2025 Goals
April 21, 2025
Understanding Your Electric Bill After Going Solar
April 11, 2025
National Renewable Energy Day & Earth Hour
April 7, 2025