<prompt> Human: TDLR; Why is it that -instead of paying for the energy I consume- I am paying for the energy I am producing?? Shouldnt producing energy balance out what I already consume, and therefore lower my bills? My electricity bill is low. Sometimes even 0. But for my solar bill, Im paying for fluctuating prices of 40 up to 230??---I recently got off the phone from my solar companys billing representative. I am a new homeowner and had to takeover the lien that the previous owner had on this houses solar panels. I was fine with paying the 40-60mo bills, but soon realized the charges slowly increased to a whopping 230.When I called and asked the representative why that is, she explained that the prices generally rise during the summer months, and lower during the winter months. The reason for this was my solar panels produce more kilowatts during the summer, and less during winter. You produce more energy during the summer months, and generate a credit with your electric company. This credit will be there for you during the winter months, so you can have the energy you need when you are not producing as much from your panels.Well that sounds fine and dandy, but why am I paying for the energy that my house is naturally producing? Shouldnt I be only paying for the loancost of the solar panels themselves, and not the energy that I produce?This is really confusing to me... I thought the point of solar panels was to not have any big bills at all, other than the charges for the equipment because the energy is essentially from the sun and would be considered free? Its like the Sun is charging me for making use of its rays, and thats ridiculous. Whats the point of these panels, if Im making them money and energy off of my own building? I feel like Im getting ripped off, but at the same time- thats why Im here asking these questions. Ive got to be misunderstanding something here, as this is pretty hard to believe.---Is it that the representative didnt explain this properly? Maybe I am not directly paying for the kilowatts I produce- it is only fluctuating seasonally, and the charges are going to the solar panel equipmentinstallation lien that I took over when I purchased this house?If thats the case, is it common for solar companies to charge me a flat-rate per month? Would this be a possibility, or would I be wasting my time calling and asking them? I find it unnecessary to fluctuate my bill every month, if its only for paying the loan off of the equipment that was installed.  <response>: Thats because the type of lease the previous owner purchased. Look over your paperwork 