Why is my electricity bill 54% higher after installing Solar?

[Mastic]

Why is my electricity bill 54% higher after installing Solar?

We are a retired couple so a;; heavy usage such as washing is done during the day while we are producing the most solar power, cook top is gas, oven is electric, the oven is not used a lot. All other consumption is the same as before, a couple of 10W LED lights, TV and computer, gas central heating fan that does it's own thing. Yes we are getting the pathetically low feed in tariff. So why, according to the AGL email; is my electricity bill 54% higher cost compared to last year????

[SYED_AGL]

Hi,

Thank you for reaching out.

To better manage your electricity usage, it's important to first check which tariff type you're on. If you're on a Time of Use tariff, your electricity rates will vary depending on the time of day—so managing when and how you use power can make a big difference.

To get the most out of your solar system and reduce costs:

Avoid using high-energy appliances during Peak times (when rates are highest).

Try to run major appliances during Off-Peak or Shoulder times, when rates are lower.

Make the most of your solar energy when it’s available during the day, especially in sunny hours.

Let us know if you'd like help understanding your tariff schedule or adjusting your usage—we’re happy to assist.

SYED 

[Lester]

..

This can happen @Mastic . . . but as you are like the wife and I (we are semi retired), home most of the time, can self consume a lot of your power needs, you should be seeing a positive change . . . depending on the system you had put in, and how tailored to your energy usage.

So to clarify, you have just received your first bill after the solar went on ?

Did you get a meter upgrade, analogue to digital ?

Did you get changed from single tariff (with or without controlled load or off peak) to a TOU (time of use) tariff ?

That could be why things have changed like it has, a lot depends on your location and plans / tariffs in that particular state / region.

Here in SA we found when we updated from analogue to digital when our solar went on, TOU was actually no worse that single rate, and if we are careful with peak tariff times, we are likely better off.

Some other things to check . . .

Was the solar commissioned correctly with the energy supplier in your area ?

Is the solar actually working correctly ?

Is the system wired up correctly ?

  (Have seen cases where a simple wiring error adds solar production to usage !!)

Have you had your solar installer check everything they can ?

Have you had any interest in watching your AGL usage info, solar production etc via their app ?

Do you have an app for your solar system and been likewise checking that from time to time to see how it's working ?

A thread here might help further . . .

 https://neighbourhood.agl.com.au/t5/Energy-General/Yet-another-excessive-bill/td-p/36429 

There's a lot to changing to having solar, the minefield of getting the right system for your needs, then the right retailer / plan for your usage pattern.

It's very complex and you need an analytical mind to get to the right set up and retail plan.