Solar panels can be a powerful way to save on your bills. But even the most experienced homeowners can run into unexpected twists if they're not up to date on programs and policies.
One Reddit post highlighted how a family's long-standing solar setup suddenly changed after an upgrade. Its story offered a cautionary lesson for anyone considering solar.
In the r/solar subreddit, a Redditor shared that their parents had a solar system installed in the early 2010s that NEM 2.0 was going to cover. NEM 2.0 protects long-term solar customers from changes in net metering. Everything was working well until 2024, when a salesman convinced their dad to install additional panels, promising a "$0 bill."
The new panels were leased on a 25-year contract totalling $60,000. Suddenly, the original system lost NEM 2.0 coverage, the $0 bill never appeared, and monthly energy costs jumped to around $140.
"Is it possible there is anything to be done to remedy the situation outside of buying a battery?" the OP asked.
Stories like this show why staying informed is key if you're considering solar. Tools like TCD's Solar Explorer can help people understand solar options. You could potentially save up to $10,000 when going solar as well, so you can avoid surprises and take full advantage of incentives.
While verbal promises are tough to enforce, as one commenter noted, "If you can prove fraud, then reason to stop payments. But [it's] gonna be really hard to prove on a recollection of a verbal 'promise/goal' vs details contracts."
Other commenters focused on maximizing savings under NEM 3.0, California's updated solar billing policy.
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"Yes if they are NEM 3 then they should get a battery, so they maximize using their own electricity in their house rather than selling it cheaply and buying it back more expensive," one person recommended.
Smart upgrades that slash monthly energy bills
What this family went through highlights how important it is to plan your solar upgrades carefully and take advantage of tools that help you save.
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What's the most you'd pay per month to put solar panels on your roof if there was no down payment?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
$200 or more 💰 • EnergySage can help you save up to $10,000 on installations by curating competitive bids from local installers
• Not ready to spend up front? Palmetto's $0-down LightReach solar leasing program can lower your utility rate by up to 20%
• TCD's Solar Explorer makes it easy to access exclusive offers from preferred partners
You can also pair solar with efficient HVAC systems or smart appliances to cut bills further. TCD's HVAC Explorer can help you find the right system for your home and budget. And the free Palmetto Home app can unlock up to $5,000 in rewards for home upgrades with simple everyday actions.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
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