I Just Joined Community Solar — When Will I Get My Solar Credits?

So you’ve signed up for Altus Power’s Community Solar program, the first step in supporting clean energy while saving money on your electricity costs — a win-win! So when can you expect those solar credits to kick in and start bringing your utility costs down?

Great question. If the solar project you have joined is generating electricity, you’ll usually see solar credits appear on your bill within two or three billing cycles. If that solar project is still under construction, you’ll usually see solar credits on your bill two or three billing cycles after that project has been turned on. If you would like to check the status of your account — or have any other questions — please reach out by emailing hello@altuspower.com.

Once the credits start coming in, they’ll be automatically added to your electric utility account each month. You’ll see them on your monthly utility bill, perhaps labeled as a “transfer” or an “adjustment.” No matter the wording (which varies by state and utility company) those credits will reduce your total electricity charges. If your account is on standard dual billing, you will also receive a monthly statement from Altus Power for the solar credit amount minus your discount. You’ll pay your Altus balance alongside your reduced monthly electricity bill.

‍“If I’m paying two bills, how am I saving money?”

‍Another great question. Here’s an example:  Let's say your electricity bill totals $200 in a given month, and you receive $100 worth of solar credits. After this reduction, you’ll pay your utility company just $100. Now, let’s say you have an Altus Power savings discount of 20% — your Altus statement for this cycle will show a balance of just $80, which means the remaining $20 is your savings!  

In other words, you'll pay $100 to your utility company and $80 to Altus Power — a total of $180, rather than the $200 you would have owed your utility company without Community Solar.

If your account is on consolidated billing, you will not receive a statement from Altus Power. The discount will be applied to your solar credits by your utility company, and your total solar savings will appear as a deduction on your monthly electric utility bill.

Solar credits are calculated based on your annual electricity usage, so reach out to our Customer Experience Team if you think your usage has changed in a big way, and we can adjust your subscription. Also, be advised that your solar credits might vary from the summer (when there are more hours of sunlight here in the Northern Hemisphere) and winter (when there are fewer hours of sunlight).

If your solar credits ever offset more than 100% of your utility bill, then the excess will be banked to your account (with no expiration date) and will be automatically applied to future bills. If those credits continue to back up — or if you have any other questions not answered here — send us a message at hello@altuspower.com.