Double or Nothing: Will Going Solar Add a Second Bill to Your Life?

One of the most common questions people have when considering solar energy is whether they will still have to pay their regular electricity bills. After all, the whole point of going solar is to save money and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources. So, let's dive into this topic and explore whether going solar means saying goodbye to your electricity bills.

The Short Answer

The short answer is no, you won't completely eliminate your electricity bills by going solar. However, you can significantly reduce them and even potentially eliminate them altogether.

Understanding Net Metering

When you install solar panels on your property, they generate electricity from the sun's energy. This energy can be used to power your home, and any excess electricity can be sent back to the grid. This process is known as net metering.

Net metering allows you to earn credits for the excess electricity you produce. These credits can then be used to offset the electricity you consume from the grid when your solar panels aren't generating enough power, such as during nighttime or on cloudy days.

Reducing Your Electricity Bills

By going solar, you can significantly reduce your electricity bills. The amount of savings will depend on various factors, including your energy consumption, the size of your solar system, and the amount of sunlight your location receives.

On average, solar panels can cover 70-90% of a household's electricity needs. This means that you'll still need to draw some power from the grid, especially during times when your solar panels aren't producing enough electricity.

However, the electricity you consume from the grid will be significantly less than before, resulting in lower electricity bills. In some cases, if your solar system generates more electricity than you consume over a billing cycle, you may even receive a credit from your utility company.

The Bottom Line

While going solar won't completely eliminate your electricity bills, it can significantly reduce them and potentially even eliminate them altogether. By taking advantage of net metering and optimizing your solar system size, you can enjoy substantial savings on your energy costs.

So, if you're considering going solar, remember that you'll still have some electricity bills, but they'll be much lower than before. Plus, you'll be contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.