Once your subscription is active, your solar credits show up on your electric account. Here's how to read them.

What a solar credit is

Each month, the solar farm reports how much electricity your share produced. Your utility turns that into a dollar credit on your account, using the value your state's program sets. The credit lowers what you owe your utility.

You pay for your subscription at a price below the value of your credits. That gap is your savings.

One bill or two?

How you pay depends on your utility and your project.

One bill. Your utility shows your solar credit and your subscription charge on the same bill. This is sometimes called net crediting or consolidated billing. You make one payment, and your savings are already built in.

Two bills. Your utility bill shows your solar credit. The solar company sends you a separate bill for your subscription, which costs less than the credits you received. Add the two together to see your total cost.

A few examples:

  • Maine projects use two bills.
  • Minnesota uses two bills unless you choose Xcel Energy's optional one-bill service, offered in the current program.
  • Delaware uses two bills today: your Delmarva Power bill with the credit, plus a separate subscription bill. One bill is coming later and must be available to all projects by October 1, 2027.
  • In Maryland, Illinois, and New York, some projects offer one bill and others use two.

See your state page for the details where you live.

Why your credit changes month to month

Solar farms produce more electricity during long, sunny summer days and less in winter. Your credit follows the same pattern, so expect larger credits in summer and smaller ones in winter. In some states, credits you don't use right away carry forward to future bills for a set period.

When you'll see your first credit

Credits usually start within one to two billing cycles after your subscription is active. Timing depends on your utility and your project.

What to look for on your bill

  • A solar credit line. Look for words like "community solar," "solar credit," or "net metering credit." The exact label depends on your utility.
  • Your name and account number. Make sure they match the account you enrolled.
  • Your total. If you get two bills, add them together to see what you're paying overall.

New to community solar? Start with Community Solar 101.

Questions about your bill?

Call us at 612-760-6788. A real person will walk through your bill with you, or you can check your eligibility online first.