Mitigate Cost of Living Expenses with Solar Power

If you could harness the power of the sun and run your home on power produced from this energy would you do it? We hope you are saying a resounding YES! Solar power is just not great for the environment, but it can have a BIG impact on the costs of your living expenses.

Intrigued? We knew you would be! Here are the top ways that a solar power system can help mitigate the costs of your living expenses here in Orlando, Florida!

Lowering Your Electric Bills

Using solar to power homes and lower utility bills is one of the biggest perks of going solar. And it’s becoming more popular too!

Let’s face it, our appliances aren’t going away. We all want to reach for a cool beverage on a hot summer’s day or turn on the AC, so our homes are cool and comfortable, so saving on your utility bills by using clean energy from the sun makes perfect sense.

With net metering through Duke Energy, you can offset your energy costs when you have a solar system. As of January 1st, 2022, there is a minimum monthly bill of $30 for those who use solar power. This bill pays for the cost of your interconnection with the grid, and the sort of maintenance to the power grid.

Yes, even if you have a solar system in Orlando’s city limits, you must be connected to the grid. This ensures that you can draw electricity when needed like when it’s raining or at night, but still sell excess power back to the grid. So not only can you save on hefty energy bills, but you could get credits for the power that your system produces. It’s a win-win!

Heating and Cooling with Solar Power

If you have an electric heater and air conditioner, they will play a major role in the amount of solar energy that you will need. Make sure to discuss your energy needs with your solar advisor at Solar Bear, to ensure you have the right amount of power to run your heater and AC.

Don’t forget that while solar power will help you save on energy costs, it is important to weatherize your home to reduce the amount of power that you need to pull from your solar system or the utility grid. Any weatherizing efforts that you undertake plus switching to renewable energy will provide additional savings. 

Lowering Utility Costs with Solar Battery Storage

Getting the most out of your solar system includes the size of the solar array, where you live, the angle of your roof, how much sun you get, and the energy needs of your family. But if you add a battery to store power, you could save even more.

A solar system coupled with a solar battery allows you to store excess energy produced by your system during the day to use at night when the sun isn’t shining or when the utility rates are at their highest. And when the sun comes out again in the morning? Your battery will be recharged to use again. Nice!

TOU Rates

TOU stands for “time of use,” and TOU rates are used by your utility company to encourage you to reduce your energy consumption during peak hours when it costs the most. Because when everyone is pulling from the grid, energy costs more.

Remember, the time that you run your washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher matters. It is cheaper in the morning to run appliances and gets more expensive between the hours of noon and 8 pm.

Not all of us are at home when energy costs are lowest, but if you have a solar battery it won’t matter because you will have the energy to use no matter what kind of day!

Solar Tax Credits

Don’t forget that the current federal tax credit of 26% off the price of installation is available. This credit will lower over the next couple of years, then be phased out altogether so make sure to take advantage of these savings if you are planning to install a solar system at your home.

Choose Solar with Solar Bear

Just think of how much you will save on living expenses once you choose to go solar! The solar movement is strong and thriving, and is here to stay, just like our sun. If you are ready to install a solar system or need help with solar battery storage, you are in the right place!

Give Solar Bear Orlando a call at (727) 471-7442 to discuss your energy needs or to get a free no-hassle solar estimate today!