Solar economics
Can solar give you a zero dollar electricity bill?
A realistic guide to when a zero dollar electricity bill is possible with solar and batteries, and why it should not be treated as a guarantee.
Short answer
A zero dollar bill is possible for some homes in some billing periods, but it is not a promise. It depends on usage, weather, tariffs, export rules, fixed charges, battery behaviour and how the household uses energy.
Start a quoteWhat a zero dollar bill really means
A bill can reach zero when credits and savings offset usage charges and fixed charges for that period. That does not mean the home used no grid electricity or that every future bill will also be zero.
Season, weather, household behaviour and retailer pricing can all change the result.
Solar alone can get some homes close
Homes with strong daytime usage, good roof orientation and efficient appliances may cut bills heavily with solar alone.
The harder part is evening and overnight use. Without a battery, that electricity still usually comes from the grid.
A battery can help, but it is not magic
A battery stores excess solar for later, which can reduce evening imports. It can also support backup circuits if designed that way.
But a battery has usable capacity limits, efficiency losses, warranty limits and cost. It should be sized for the home, not for a slogan.
Fixed charges still matter
Daily supply charges can remain even when grid energy use is low. Some homes need export credits or VPP income to offset those fixed charges.
That is why zero bill modelling should include both usage charges and daily charges, not just solar production.
Aim for reliable savings first
A zero bill is a nice outcome, but the better target is a system that reliably lowers annual energy costs and fits the household.
If a quote promises zero bills without showing tariff, usage, export and battery assumptions, it needs a calmer review.
Sources
Primary references used for this guide.
Rebate settings and certificate values change. Use these sources for live program rules before accepting a quote.
FAQ
Is a zero dollar electricity bill realistic?
It can be realistic for some homes in some periods, but it should be modelled as a scenario rather than guaranteed.
Do I need a battery for zero bills?
Not always, but a battery can help reduce evening imports. The value depends on usage, tariff and system cost.
Why did I still get a bill after installing solar?
Common reasons include evening usage, daily supply charges, low feed-in tariffs, weather, seasonal changes or a system that was not sized around your usage.
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Solar feed-in tariffs in 2026: why self-consumption matters
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Solar reduces bills most when you use more of your own generation. The winning formula is right-sized panels, daytime load shifting, a sensible tariff and a battery only when the numbers or backup goals justify it.