Reasons Why You Are Paying More For Electricity In Ventura County Even With Having Solar Panels
If you’re a solar panel owner in Camarillo, Thousand Oaks or somewhere else in Ventura County searching for answers to “why is my electricity bill so high with solar panels?” or “SCE solar billing changes 2025,” you’re not alone.
Many solar owners are seeing higher bills due to Southern California Edison (SCE) rate changes, new billing structures, and shifts in net metering policies. Additionally, dirty solar panels can reduce your system’s output, cutting into your savings.
This article explains why your bills are rising, how Cam Solar Clean (https://camsolarclean.com) can maximize your solar production by keeping panels dirt- and grime-free, and actionable steps to lower costs in Ventura County. Read on to learn how to take control of your solar savings and schedule a cleaning today!
1. SCE’s New Income-Graduated Fixed Charges
A major reason for higher bills in Camarillo is SCE’s income-graduated fixed charges, starting late 2025. If you’re searching “SCE fixed charge solar impact” or “why did my SCE bill go up 2025,” this is a key factor.
- What’s Happening? SCE will add a monthly fixed charge: $24.15/month for most households, $6–$12/month for low-income CARE/FERA qualifiers, and up to $85/month for high-income households (over $180,000/year, pending CPUC approval).
- Why It Affects Solar Owners: Fixed charges can’t be offset by solar production, so even if your panels cover most of your usage, your bill could rise. For example, a low-usage solar household’s $10/month bill might jump to $34.15/month with the fixed charge.
- Ventura County Impact: Camarillo’s 270 sunny days/year make solar ideal, but fixed charges reduce savings, especially for efficient homes.
Potential Solution: Check CARE/FERA eligibility at www.sce.com to lower your fixed charge. Ensure your panels are at peak performance with Cam Solar Clean’s professional cleaning to maximize energy output and offset grid costs. Schedule your solar panel cleaning now at https://camsolarclean.com/schedule-service/ to boost savings.
2. Net Energy Metering 3.0 (NEM 3.0) and Lower Export Credits
If you’re searching “SCE NEM 3.0 higher bills” or “why are my solar credits so low,” Net Energy Metering 3.0 (NEM 3.0), effective for systems interconnected after April 15, 2023, is a major driver.
- What’s Changed? NEM 3.0 credits exported energy at the “avoided cost rate,” cutting credits by ~75%—from $0.36–$0.47/kWh (NEM 2.0) to $0.13/kWh for daytime exports.
- Impact on Bills: Lower credits mean less savings, especially when buying grid power at peak evening rates (up to $0.73/kWh in summer). Camarillo’s cooling demands increase evening grid reliance.
- Who’s Affected? Systems installed before April 15, 2023, remain on NEM 1.0/2.0 for 20 years. Newer systems face NEM 3.0’s reduced returns.
Potential Solution: Add battery storage to use daytime energy at night, avoiding low credits and peak rates. Maximize production with Cam Solar Clean’s eco-friendly cleaning, removing dirt and grime to boost efficiency by up to 20% in Camarillo’s dusty climate. Book a cleaning today at https://camsolarclean.com/schedule-service/ to optimize output.
3. Time-of-Use (TOU) Rate Shifts and Rate Increases
Searching “SCE TOU rates solar 2025” or “why are SCE rates so high with solar”? SCE’s TOU plans and rate hikes are increasing costs.
- TOU Structure: Plans like TOU-D-4-9PM or TOU-D-PRIME have peak hours (4–9 p.m.), when solar production is low, increasing grid costs.
- NEM 3.0 Requirement: New solar owners must use TOU-D-PRIME, with a ~$16/month fixed charge but lower kWh rates.
- Rate Hikes: SCE’s 2025 rate is 31.4 cents/kWh, projected to reach 35.3 cents/kWh by 2026.
Potential Solution: Use TOU-D-PRIME for NEM 3.0 or compare TOU plans for NEM 1.0/2.0 via SCE’s “My Account.” Store energy with batteries and keep panels clean with Cam Solar Clean to capture maximum sunlight. Schedule a professional cleaning at https://camsolarclean.com/schedule-service/ to save on peak-hour costs.
4. Dirty Solar Panels in Ventura County are Reducing Solar Output
Searching “Ventura solar panel cleaning” or “why is my solar production low”? Dirty panels are a hidden issue in cities like Ojai, Ventura, Newbury Park, Oxnard, and Camarillo’s dry, dusty climate.
- Impact: Dust, pollen, or bird droppings can reduce output by 10–20%, increasing grid reliance, especially under NEM 3.0’s low credits or fixed charges.
- Ventura County Context: Local dust, pollen, and coastal grime (near Oxnard) accumulate, lowering efficiency.
Solution: Cam Solar Clean (https://camsolarclean.com) uses safe and eco-friendly cleaning methods, restoring panels to peak performance and saving $347–$700+ /year on SCE bills.
Schedule your cleaning today at https://camsolarclean.com/schedule-service/ to ensure maximum production.
5. System Size or Usage Mismatches
Searching “is my solar system too small? ” or “why isn’t my solar covering my bill”? Your system size or may not align.
- Undersized Systems: EVs, pool pumps, or AC units (common in Camarillo’s hot summers) can outstrip older systems, increasing grid costs.
- Usage Changes: New appliances or family members raise consumption.
Potential Solution: Have your installer assess your system (e.g., an average of 7.2 kW for Ventura County). Maximize output with Cam Solar Clean’s services to reduce grid dependence. Book now at https://camsolarclean.com/schedule-service/.
Take Control Of Your Electricity Bill And Have Your Solar Panels Washed
Lower your SCE bills in Ventura County with these steps:
- Clean Your Panels: Cam Solar Clean’s professional, eco-friendly cleaning boosts output by up to 20%, saving $50–$100/year. Schedule now at https://camsolarclean.com/schedule-service/.
- Add Battery Storage: Store daytime energy for peak hours. Search “Ventura County solar battery incentives.”
- Shift Usage: Run appliances during daylight to use solar power.
- Choose the Right Plan: Confirm NEM status and compare TOU plans at www.sce.com.