How Solar Panels Can Affect Your Utility Bill
Solar panels are a great way to save money on your energy bills especially if you plan ahead and future-proof your purchase. One thing is for sure… electricity rates will always continue to rise. But did you know that there are a few things that can affect how much your bill goes down?
Increased Energy Usage
One of the biggest factors that can affect your utility bill with solar panels is your energy usage. If you start using more energy, your bill will go up, even if you’re generating more of your own electricity. This could be due to a number of factors, such as working from home more often, adding a new family member, or installing a pool.
Time-of-Use Rates
Another factor that can affect your utility bill is the time of day you use energy. In many states, utilities are moving to time-of-use (TOU) rates, which charge more for electricity during peak hours and less during off-peak hours. If you use most of your energy during peak hours, your bill will be higher, even if you have solar panels.
Utility Rate Increases
Finally, your utility rates may simply increase over time. This is something that you can’t control, but it’s something to keep in mind when you’re considering solar panels.
How to Minimize the Impact of These Factors
There are a few things you can do to minimize the impact of these factors on your utility bill.
- Be mindful of your energy usage. Take steps to reduce your energy consumption, such as turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging appliances when they’re not in use, and weatherizing your home.
- Use energy during off-peak hours. If possible, try to use energy during off-peak hours, when rates are lower. This could mean running the dishwasher or doing laundry at night, or charging your electric vehicle during the day.
- Consider energy storage. Energy storage can help you use solar energy even when the sun isn’t shining. This could be a good option if you have a large family or live in an area with many cloudy days.
Pairing solar with storage can help you reduce your reliance on the grid, avoid blackouts, and save money.
Solar panels generate electricity from the sun. Energy storage systems, such as batteries, store that electricity for later use. When you pair solar with storage, you can use your own solar power even when the sun isn’t shining. This can help you reduce your reliance on the grid, which can save you money on your energy bills.
In addition, energy storage can help you avoid blackouts. If the power goes out, your energy storage system can provide backup power for your home or business. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you’ll always have power, even when the grid is down.
The Inflation Reduction Act has provided tremendous long-term incentives for both solar and energy storage. These incentives make these clean energy solutions more affordable than ever. If you’re considering going solar, now is a great time to do it.
Here are some of the benefits of pairing solar with storage:
- Reduce your reliance on the grid: When you have solar with storage, you can use your own solar power even when the sun isn’t shining. This can help you reduce your reliance on the grid, which can save you money on your energy bills.
- Avoid blackouts: If the power goes out, your energy storage system can provide backup power for your home or business. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you’ll always have power, even when the grid is down.
- Save money: The Inflation Reduction Act has provided tremendous long-term incentives for both solar and energy storage. These incentives make these clean energy solutions more affordable than ever.
