Here’s the short answer, yes.However, it’s not as simple as that. While going solar does mean a substantial reduction in your electricity expenses, it doesn't equate to a bill of zero dollars. There's a common misconception that installing solar panels completely gets rid of your electric bills, but this isn't entirely accurate. Solar panels cover the cost of your electricity, but you’ll still receive a bill in the mail for potential connection fees.
When you choose to go solar, your power bill will drop, but fees may still be applicable. These might be associated with grid connection fees or situations where your energy consumption exceeds what your panels generate, particularly during cloudy days or nighttime. However, the amounts involved are significantly smaller compared to what you'd be paying without solar panels, and in most cases, are covered by net metering.Check out this video from a real Big Dog Solar customer, where he goes over how his electric bill is affected by going solar:
What happens to your power bill after going solar?
Something to keep in mind that this isn't an overnight miracle. Saving money with solar is kind of like fine wine. It gets better with age. The more that time goes on, the more you'll be able to save money by directly avoiding high inflation rates! Because of increasing costs from your power company, you’ll see your savings will grow steadily over time.
Even with the sun as your ally, you'll find that there are moments when you still need electricity from the grid. Cloudy days and nights can lead to a dip in your solar panel's output. This is where battery storage systems swoop in to save the day. Battery backups store excess energy generated during sunny periods, making it available for use during less sunny times. This ensures that your power supply remains uninterrupted, providing peace of mind that you won't be left in the dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Before/After Solar Panels Electric Bill Look Like? Before installing solar panels, your electric bill will be based on the total amount of electricity you use from the grid. After installing solar panels, your electric bill will be reduced by the amount of electricity that your solar panels generate.The amount of money you save on your electric bill will vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of your solar panel system, your energy usage, and the electricity rates in your area. However, most homeowners who install solar panels can expect to save a significant amount of money on their electric bills.
Does the electric company pay me for having solar power?A quick answer – no. But there more to it!Most electric companies offer net metering programs to customers who install solar panels. Net metering allows you to sell the excess electricity that your solar panels generate back to the electric companyThe electric company will offer you credits for the excess electricity that you generate at a rate that is typically equal to the retail rate of electricity. This means that you can use your solar panels to offset the cost of the electricity that you buy from the grid.
How do I pay for electricity with solar panels?There are two main ways to pay for electricity with solar panels:
Net metering: As mentioned above, net metering allows you to sell the excess electricity that your solar panels generate back to the electric company. This means that you can use your solar panels to offset the cost of the electricity that you buy from the grid.
Solar batteries: Solar batteries can store the electricity that your solar panels generate so that you can use it at night or when the sun is not shining. This means that you can reduce your reliance on the grid and save even more money on your electric bill.Remember, no matter how you “pay” for your electricity using solar power, you’ll still get a bill with a connection fee. Also, depending on your financing, you will have a payment to make, or you’ll have paid for it outright.
What is included on your electric bill with solar panels?Your electric bill with solar panels will typically include the following charges:Net metering charges: The net metering charges are the difference between the amount of electricity that you generate with your solar panels and the amount of electricity that you use from the grid. If you generate more electricity than you use, you will receive a credit on your electric bill.Customer charges: Customer charges are typically a fixed monthly fee that is charged to all electric customers.Taxes and fees: Taxes and fees may also be added to your electric bill.
Do you still need electricity with solar panels?Even if you have solar panels, you will still need electricity from the grid at night and when the sun is not shining. However, your solar panels can help to reduce your reliance on the grid and save you money on your electric bill.
Paying electricity bills with solar panels?If you have net metering, you will typically pay your electric bill in the same way that you did before installing solar panels. However, your bill will be reduced by the amount of electricity that you generate with your solar panels. Keep reading for more information on net metering.If you have solar batteries, you may be able to pay your electric bill with the electricity that you store in your batteries. However, you may still need to purchase some electricity from the grid, especially during the winter months when there is less sunlight.
Electric bill reduction after solar panels?The amount of money you save on your electric bill after installing solar panels will vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of your solar panel system, your energy usage, and the electricity rates in your area. However, most homeowners who install solar panels can expect to save a significant amount of money on their electric bills.
Empowering Independence with Net Metering
Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows customers who generate their own electricity with renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, to sell the excess electricity they generate back to the utility company. Net metering programs are designed to encourage the use of renewable energy by making it more affordable for homeowners and businesses to install solar panels and other renewable energy systems.To participate in a net metering program, customers must install a net meter. A net meter is a special type of electric meter that measures the flow of electricity in both directions, into and out of the home.At the end of each billing period, the utility company will compare the amount of electricity that the customer generated with their solar panels to the amount of electricity that the customer used from the grid. If the customer generated more electricity than they used, they will receive a credit on their electric bill. The customer can then use this credit to offset future electric bills.Net metering programs are offered by most utility companies in the United States. However, the specific terms and conditions of net metering programs vary from state to state. This also varies by company, so be sure to reach out to your local utility company for the most accurate information.
Here’s the bottom line:
Solar panels are more than just shiny additions to your roof. They're your partners in achieving a sense of independence from soaring electricity bills. Some people think they'll never have any payments again, but that's not how it actually works. Solar will make it so you don't have to pay the utility company for electricity. You'll be able to own your power production and pay flat rate for your electricity, allowing you to save money. Solar power might not erase your bill entirely, but it will undoubtedly make it much more manageable. As you enjoy the benefits of reduced expenses, remember that every bit of solar energy you use is a step towards a more sustainable and empowered future.Check out our solar score quiz to see if solar is the right fit for you!
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