The good news? You don’t have to choose between a solar system upgrade and keeping your existing NEM agreement. With a non-export solar system, you can expand your system without penalty while maintaining your current NEM status.

Here’s everything you need to know about non-export systems, how they can help reduce your true up bill, and why they’re a game-changer for Northern California homeowners.

What Is a True Up Bill?

If you’re noticing an increase in your true up bill and wondering why, here’s a quick explanation.

Every year, utility companies assess how much energy your solar system produced versus how much energy your home actually consumed. When your energy usage exceeds your solar production, you’re charged for the extra electricity pulled from the grid. This annual reconciliation is what’s known as a true up bill.

For many solar system owners, this bill comes as a shock—especially if major lifestyle changes (like purchasing an EV or adding new appliances) mean you’re using significantly more electricity than you did when your original solar system was installed.

But before you resign yourself to paying those hefty bills, there’s a straightforward solution waiting for you.

The Solution? A Solar System Upgrade That Keeps Your NEM Agreement

If you’ve been hesitant about upgrading your solar setup because you’re worried about losing your NEM agreement, you’re not alone. Many homeowners believe that system changes will trigger a utility company to shift them into a less favorable solar billing tariff.

The reality? You can upgrade your solar system without losing your NEM benefits by installing a non-export solar system.

What Is a Non-Export Solar System?

A non-export solar system is designed to meet your additional energy needs without sending extra power back to the grid. Unlike traditional solar systems, which export excess energy, this type of system only produces electricity based on your real-time household demand.

Here’s an example to break it down.

Real-Life Scenario: Meet Your Energy Demands with a Non-Export System

Imagine your existing solar system was built to produce 10,000 kWh per year. At the time, this was sufficient to cover your household’s electricity usage, so you rarely had a true up bill.

Fast forward a few years. You’ve purchased an EV, which now consumes an additional 5,000 kWh per year. Suddenly, your system isn’t producing enough to keep up with your increased energy demand, and you’re hit with a $2,500 true up bill.

This is where a non-export system comes to the rescue.

Instead of replacing your entire solar setup, you can install a non-export system to produce just the additional 5,000 kWh you need. These systems are sophisticated, shutting off and on based on real-time household demand to ensure you’re not producing (or exporting) more energy than you consume.

Because the system isn’t designed to send energy back to the grid, your utility company has no grounds to alter your NEM agreement.

Solar system with batteries powering electric vehicles.

Add a Battery for Round-the-Clock Energy

Non-export systems are often paired with solar battery retrofits, giving you even more flexibility and energy independence.

Here’s how a battery can enhance your system:

• Capture Extra Energy for Later: During the day, any excess energy generated by the non-export system can be stored in the battery, ready to power your home at night or during cloudy weather – yes, the non-export system factors in the amount of energy the battery needs and produces enough electricity to fill the battery.
• Backup Power During Outages: Northern California homeowners know the challenges of power outages all too well. A solar battery backup ensures you have a reliable energy source ready to keep your lights on, your appliances running, and your life uninterrupted.
• Reduced Grid Dependency: With a battery, you’ll draw even less power from the grid, helping further minimize your utility costs.

Why Non-Export Solar Is a Smart Choice

Non-export solar systems aren’t just about increasing energy production—they’re about maximizing savings while maintaining your original solar benefits. Here are some key advantages of upgrading to a non-export system:

1. Maintain Your NEM Agreement:

No need to worry about being moved to a less favorable tariff. Your original NEM status remains intact.

2. Reduce or Eliminate True Up Bills:

Supplement your original solar system to match your current energy needs and say goodbye to unexpected charges.

3. Greater Energy Independence:

Pair your system with a battery to harness solar power even when the sun’s down and during outages.

4. Environmentally Friendly:

By relying more on solar, you’re further reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a greener planet.

5. Cost-Effective Solution:

Unlike completely overhauling your existing system, a non-export upgrade targets only your additional energy needs, keeping costs down.

Non-export solar system installed by Sunriver Solar.

Is a Non-Export System Right for You?

If you’ve experienced a steady increase in your true up bill and want to find a solution without sacrificing the benefits of your NEM agreement, then a non-export system could be the perfect fit.

Upgrading your current setup means future-proofing your home’s energy efficiency, optimizing your solar investment, and ensuring your system keeps pace with your energy demands.

Make Your Solar System Work Smarter (Not Harder)

At Sunriver Solar, we specialize in helping Northern California homeowners make the most of their solar systems. Whether you want to eliminate those soaring true up bills, integrate a solar battery retrofit, or simply learn more about your options, our team is here to help.

Click the link below or give us a call to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll design a custom solution to meet your needs!

Contact Us | Get a Free Quote

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EST. 2008

Auburn, CA

530-820-3712

The post Upgrade Your Solar System to Reduce Your True Up Bill — and Keep Your NEM Agreement first appeared on Solar Services in Northern CA.