Have you heard about the common electric bill with solar panels? If you are looking to go solar, you might wonder about the average bill for people with solar panels.
Even though you can save a lot of money with a solar energy bill, there are some upfront costs that can be expensive. We want to help you get the most out of your investment so that you continue to benefit from solar energy for years to come.
Here is what you need to know.
What Is the Common Electric Bill With Solar Panels?
The cost of an electric bill with solar panels can vary widely based on factors like location, system size, energy consumption, and local electricity rates.
Net Zero Electric Bill
A net zero electric bill is possible with the help of solar panels. The amount of electricity generated by your panels should be equal to or greater than the amount of electricity that is used by your home. This means that instead of receiving a monthly electric bill, you can expect to receive a net zero electric bill.
Significantly Reduced Electric Bill
Many homeowners experience a substantial reduction in their electric bills after installing solar panels. They may not completely eliminate the bill, but they significantly reduce their reliance on the grid. The electric bill might consist mainly of fixed charges, connection fees, and any remaining energy consumption not covered by the solar panels.
Partial Reduction in Electric Bill
In some cases, the solar panel bill might not cover the entire energy consumption of the household. This could be due to factors like limited roof space, shading issues, or higher energy consumption. As a result, homeowners might see a partial reduction in their electric bills but still benefit from lower energy costs.
Factors Affecting Electric Bills When Using Solar Panels
Using solar panels to generate electricity can be a great idea to help reduce charges over the long run for homes and small businesses. Here are the factors that can influence your electric bills when using solar panels:
Sunlight Availability
The more sunlight available over a given period of time, the more energy will be created by your solar panel system. A day that is cloudy or rainy will produce less electric power than a day that is sunny.
If the area you live in gets a lot of snow during winter months, then you may want to invest in energy-saving solutions such as window insulation to try and reduce your monthly costs. If the region you live in generally experiences clear and sunny days, then it’s likely that with a good-sized solar panel array, you will be able to offset your energy bill.
Time of Use (TOU) Rates
TOU rates charge varying amounts based on the time of day that electricity is being used. Doing activities such as:
- using the washer and dryer
- washing dishes
- running an air conditioner
On the other hand, if activities are done when electricity is cheaper, usually overnight hours, then you can save more with solar panels. It can also help you get credits on your expenses when you produce more electricity than you need, but this depends on the area’s specific regulations.
Net Metering Policies
Net metering policies allow owners of solar panels to receive credits for the electricity that is produced from their solar systems when it is injected into the grid. Homeowners with net metering policies generally have lower bills because they would be using their solar panel’s energy instead of electric grid energy and selling the excess amount to their utility providers.
On the other hand, those without net metering policies would still be buying electricity from their energy providers and would have to factor in the cost of the energy produced from their own solar panels for their bills.
Initial Investment
This initial investment is the main factor in how much you will pay for your invoices when using solar panels. The larger the initial investment, the lower your bill will be.
This can vary, though, depending on factors such as the size of the solar panel system, the location, the installation cost, and the types of solar panels used. All of these variables will affect the initial investment for the installation and then determine in the long term.
Savings and Costs
The upfront costs may be high, but the monthly solar panel savings add up quickly over time for a small one-time investment. Electricity generated with solar is almost always cheaper than grid-supplied electricity, especially when factoring in federal solar tax incentives. Solar panels are also relatively low-maintenance and, when properly cared for, can last for up to 30 years.
Installing solar panels on a home usually requires an initial investment of around $15,000-$30,000, but the long-term savings from lower electric bills will pay off that investment within 5-10 years. Visit solar panels in Wisconsin to help you lower your monthly bills and add more money to your wallet.
Comparing Traditional vs. Solar-Powered
Solar-powered energy has become an increasingly attractive choice for both businesses and households. Unlike traditional energy sources, solar energy is free, clean, and emits no pollutants or carbon dioxide. Solar-powered energy is also reliable, as it is available at any time of day and is not impacted by weather events.
It produces far more electricity than traditional sources, meaning that the electricity generated during sunny hours can actually be stored for use in the cloudy hours. Since solar power is not dependent on coal or other fuels, it also eliminates any major emissions or rising costs associated with fuel production.
Real-Life Examples: Before and After Solar Panel Installation
There have been many real-life examples of buildings that have experienced major reductions in electricity bills after the solar panels were installed, including schools, public buildings, and any type of businesses. Not only have energy costs decreased, but many have reported improved energy efficiency and quality of life.
Solar panel installation has even resulted in major changes in the corporate culture of certain companies, encouraging more environmentally-conscious decision-making that helps to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
Understanding Your Electric Bill with Solar Panels Today
Installing solar panels is a cost-effective investment. On average, solar panel owners can expect to save between 30-50% of their electric bills. With the savings from solar energy, the customer can pay back their investment in as little as 5-6 years and continue to enjoy free electricity for the remainder of the panels’ lifetime. To start saving today, consider talking to a solar panel professional to learn more.
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