Understanding Your Electric Bill
Your electric bill is the single most important document in a solar design. A proposal built without it is a guess. Here's how to read it and what to look for.
Last updated 2026-08-19
Most bills are split into a few key sections. Knowing where to look makes a huge difference when you're evaluating solar.
A generic electric bill — the numbers we design around are shown in green.
- Monthly kWh usage
How much electricity you used this billing period. - Annual usage
Often shown as a 12-month history graph or usage table. This is the number that matters most for sizing. - Supply / generation charges
What you pay for the electricity itself. - Delivery / distribution charges
What you pay to move it over the wires. - Current electric rate
Often expressed as cents per kWh. - Account and meter information
Used to verify your utility and rate schedule. - Historical usage graph
Helps spot summer and winter peaks.
Why we ask for your electric bill
A solar system should be designed around your electricity consumption — measured in kWh — not simply the dollar amount of one month's bill.
- A $300 bill does not automatically tell us the correct number of panels.
- Electric rates differ between utilities and rate plans.
- Usage changes a lot by season — summer AC and winter heat swing a bill wildly.
- Annual consumption matters far more than any single month.
Why annual matters
Supply charges vs delivery charges
This split trips people up. Your bill has two main cost components: supply (the electricity you used) and delivery (the cost of the poles, wires, and maintenance). In deregulated markets like New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania, you may be able to choose your supplier, but delivery is still handled by your regulated utility.
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Common questions
Ready to see what solar looks like for your home?
Upload a recent electric bill. Charles will review your usage and property and help you understand the available solar options.
About Charles Brogden
Charles Brogden works directly with homeowners through AllSeason Solar & Roofing, helping customers understand solar system design, equipment, roofing considerations and available solar options.
Serving homeowners throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.