Still Getting Power Bills After Installing Solar? Here’s Why.

Alex
Jul 6
3 min read

At Premium Electrical Hunter Valley, we hear this all the time:

“I got solar—so why am I still getting a power bill?”

The truth is, while solar energy systems are a smart investment, they’re often misunderstood. And a big part of that comes down to misleading claims like “you’ll never pay a power bill again.”

Here’s the real story behind why some homeowners in Newcastle and the Hunter Region still receive electricity bills after installing solar panels—and what you can do to maximise your savings.

☀️ Solar Only Works When the Sun Shines

Your solar panels only generate power during daylight hours. If you’re at work during the day and using most of your power in the evenings—when the lights, appliances, and heating are cranking—your solar system isn’t helping much at that time.

Without a solar battery system, you’re forced to buy power from the grid during the hours your solar panels aren’t producing. And guess when that is?

⚡ Peak Power = Peak Prices

Most energy providers in NSW (including the Hunter Valley) charge higher rates during peak demand hours, typically between 4pm and 9pm. This is when families get home, switch everything on, and usage spikes.

The kicker? Solar isn’t generating during these hours, especially in winter.

That means even with a decent-sized system, you could still be paying 35–50c per kWh for power during peak time, while your panels are asleep for the night.

🔁 Feed-In Tariffs: Selling Low, Buying High

If your system produces more than you use during the day, that excess energy gets exported back to the grid—and you get a credit called a feed-in tariff.

Sounds great… until you realise most energy retailers only pay 5–10c per kWh for exported power.

So, you’re selling your energy for 10c and buying it back at 40c later that evening. Not exactly a fair trade, right?

🔋 How a Battery Can Help

This is where solar battery storage systems change the game.

By storing the excess power your system generates during the day, you can:

Use your own solar energy at night
Avoid peak electricity rates
Stay powered during blackouts (with the right setup)
Reduce your reliance on the grid—and your bills

At Premium Electrical, we design and install battery-ready solar systems tailored to your usage, your budget, and your goals. We’re also across the latest battery rebates, making it more affordable than ever to make the jump.

🧠 How to Avoid the “No Bill” Myth

Here’s how to get the most from your solar investment:

Use appliances during the day where possible
Right-size your system based on your usage patterns
Install a battery if you use power heavily at night
Work with a local team that explains the real numbers

🌞 Ready to Go Solar the Right Way?

At Premium Electrical Hunter Valley, we design solar and battery systems with real-life results in mind. No gimmicks, no over-promising—just smart, clean energy solutions that actually work for your household or business.

Whether you’re in Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, or the Upper Hunter, we’re here to help you: