Saving on Your Energy Bills with Solar Panels

Have you heard about the benefits of solar energy? Undecided about making the switch? If you want to reduce your utility expenses through a clean, renewable energy source, adding solar power might be the best option. Learn more about the procedures and ways to save money on your energy bills using solar power.

Check if Your Home Is Prepared for Solar Panels

The first step is to assess if your home is a suitable option for solar panels. The first factors include the amount of sunshine your location gets and your local solar benefits. Next, evaluate your roof’s orientation, layout and general condition to see if it can support  an economical solar array. A professional installer can assist with this evaluation.

Fund Your Purchase

You have a couple of main choices: use a financing option or buy the system with cash. Solar loans make the move to solar panels more affordable. Your utility bill will decrease, and the energy made by your panels should more than offset your loan payments. Although an up-front purchase requires an up-front investment, it does away with loan costs for substantial immediate and long-term savings.

Increase Your Savings by Switching to Solar

When your solar panels are in place, you can optimize your savings with several strategies.

Use Less Electricity

Energy efficiency helps your solar array go further. Here’s how to increase the share of solar energy in your home’s usage: 

• Upgrade to ENERGY STAR-rated utilities and appliances. 

• Set your thermostat back by a degree or two, and dress appropriately to stay comfortable.

• Change t LED light bulbs. 

• Unplug devices and switch off lights when not in use.

• Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads. 

• Install low-flow fixtures to minimize hot water usage.

• Use thermal curtains to maintain window insulation and maintain a steadier indoor temperature.

• Keep your cooler full to boost performance.

• Set your water heater to 120 degrees F to save on heating costs.

Adjust Your Energy Use to Peak Solar Times

If it makes sense for your daily plan, reserve more of your power consumption for peak daylight hours when solar production is highest. Using energy-intensive appliances during max sunlight times makes the most of your solar panels and lowers the need to draw power from the grid when the sun is down.

Enroll in Net Metering

Many electric companies offer net metering programs, where extra power from your solar array goes back to the grid. You get compensation from your utility company for this extra power, reducing your future energy bills. This maximizes your savings and guarantees all your solar power is used.

Benefit from an SREC Program

Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) programs allow solar panel owners to generate and trade credits for the energy produced by their system. This creates an additional revenue source and speeds up the return on investment of your initial solar investment.

Determine if TOU Programs Fit Your Usage

TOU plans charge different costs for electricity based on the time of day. Peak hours are typically during the late afternoon and evening when energy use peaks. Rates during these times are higher than low-demand times.

For solar panel owners, staying on a TOU plan can be beneficial for several reasons. First, if your solar system produces more electricity than you use during peak periods, net metering lets you send extra energy back to the grid at a higher rate. Then, you can use your own solar power if you adjust your energy use to midday, leaving you with a lower electricity rate during off-peak hours when your system isn’t making power.

However, if your energy generation is low during high-demand periods, and you often find yourself needing grid power when rates are high, a TOU plan might not be as beneficial. In this case, opting out of a TOU plan and choosing a flat rate might save more money.

Get a Solar Battery System

Without a solar battery, you can only use solar power when the sun is shining. But with a solar battery, you can ensure electricity at night and on cloudy days. This battery system’s compact build fits unobtrusively in your home or on an exterior wall. Plus, the intuitive Tesla app allows for instant oversight and adjustment. The Powerwall and other solar batteries can get federal tax breaks to help make the investment more affordable.

Use Solar Energy to Power Your Home

If you think going solar is right for your home, turn to . As a leading provider of solar and Tesla Powerwall systems, we back every installation with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Let us help you tap into solar energy to positively impact your home and community! For a seamless transition, contact us today and ask for a complimentary solar assessment.