When you receive more solar credits in the summer, you may start to see some solar credits rolled over from month to month. Most of the time, you can just save them for the leaner winter months, but there are times when it’s best to reach out to your community solar provider. We go over those scenarios below.
Those of us who participate in community solar know that the sun plays a big role in our savings. During the summer, the sun is more intense, the days are longer, and savings are high. Winter days are shorter with cloudy, snowy days, and less intense sun, resulting in lower savings. Because of this, your credits often accrue during the summer months and can be rolled over for you to use in the winter.
This process works differently depending on each state you live in. Read on to learn more!
What’s the Impact of Seasons on Community Solar Credits?
In the summer, when the solar farm produces the most, you will receive more solar savings – because you are assigned a share or percentage of the solar farm. As we move into the winter months, the solar garden will start to produce less. Many customers receive an excess of savings over the summer. Oftentimes, your portion of the solar farm will produce more than what we can apply to your utility bill as savings.
So, what happens to all of your extra credits? Any excess community solar credits received in the summer will be saved to use in the winter. Think of this as banking your savings in the summer to use in the winter.
Due to changes in light and weather in every season and from year to year, you may not save the same amount every month. but you are guaranteed to save money.
Seasonality is why we ask to see twelve months of electricity usage. At PureSky, we want to make sure that your share of the solar farm is less than you use annually. Otherwise, you’ll be continually banking solar credits that you won’t be able to use.
Do solar farms produce electricity in the winter?
State-by-state Rules on Banking Solar Credits: What you should know
Illinois Community Solar Credits
Do Credits Roll over?
Yes. Unused community solar credits automatically carry forward to future bills and can be used indefinitely. This helps offset electric costs during lower-production months, such as fall and winter.
Annual payout?
No. Illinois does not provide an annual cash payout for unused credits.
What happens if I cancel?
Your credits remain on your utility account and do not expire.
Credits will only be forfeited if you close your utility account and do not reopen an account with the same utility within 12 months.
Maryland Community Solar Credits
Do Credits Roll over?
Yes, Any unused credits roll over to your next bill.
Annual payout?
Yes. If credits remain on your account during the annual April settlement or when your utility account closes, the utility will issue a payment for those credits.
Note: The payout is based on the energy value of the credits and does not include delivery-related charges.
What happens if I cancel?
Any remaining credits are paid out by the utility when your account closes, subject to Maryland’s settlement rules.
Massachusetts Community Solar Credits
Do Credits Roll over?
Yes. Unused credits remain on your utility account and can be applied to future bills.
Annual payout?
No. Massachusetts does not provide an annual cash payout for unused credits.
What happens if I cancel?
If you keep your utility account open, your existing banked credits remain available for future use. However, if you close your account with your utility, any remaining credits may not be transferred and will be forfeited.
Minnesota Community Solar Credits
Do credits roll over?
Yes. Xcel Energy rolls over unused solar credits throughout the year.
Annual payout?
Yes. Any excess credits remaining after a full annual billing cycle are typically paid out during Xcel Energy’s annual true-up process, usually in March or April.
What happens if I cancel?
If you move and keep the same utility account number: Your banked credits may transfer with the account.
If your account closes or your account number changes: Remaining credits are generally handled through Xcel Energy’s settlement process.
Because utility policies can change, customers should confirm the treatment of remaining credits directly with Xcel Energy.
New York Community Solar Credits
Do credits roll over?
Yes. Excess credits can remain on your utility account and be used on future bills, helping balance seasonal differences in solar production.
Annual payout?
No. New York does not provide a cash payout for unused community solar credits.
What happens if I cancel?
Any remaining banked credits stay with the utility and are not paid directly to the customer as per New York program rules.
Because unused credits are generally not returned upon cancellation, PureSky sizes subscriptions to minimize the buildup of excess credits whenever possible.
When Should I Contact my Community Solar Provider about my Solar Credits?
Your utility company facilitates your solar credits, but your community solar provider is your best resource for questions about your subscription. Contact your provider if:
- You’re moving and want to understand how your solar credits may be affected.
- You’re considering canceling your subscription and want to know what happens to any remaining credits.
- You have questions about your subscription size and whether it is a good fit for your electric usage.
- You notice a significant buildup of unused credits on your utility bill.
- You think your solar credits are missing or incorrect and need help investigating the issue.
- Your utility account information changes, such as an account number change or service transfer.
- You have questions about your community solar savings, enrollment, or billing.
Keep in mind that credit banking and payout rules are determined by your state’s regulations and your utility company’s policies. Your community solar provider can help explain how those rules apply to your specific situation and guide you through any next steps.
Community solar is designed to help you save in every season. Understanding how credits accrue and roll over in your state can help you make the most of your subscription and avoid surprises on your bill.
