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What Are Time of Use Rates? How to Strategize Your Solar Usage

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Feel like your electric bill just isn’t making sense? You’re not crazy—a radically higher bill could be due to your utility company’s “Time of Use” (TOU) rates. Instead of charging one flat price per kilowatt-hour, TOU rates change depending on when you use electricity. Power up at 2 p.m.? It costs less. Flip on the dryer at 6 p.m.? You might pay double! Can solar really help you avoid these higher TOU rates?

Utility companies implement TOU because demand spikes at certain times, and they want to encourage people to shift usage away from those “peak” hours. Here’s the thing—if you’ve got solar, you can play their game and win.

When your panels produce during the day, you’re pulling less (or no) energy from the grid during expensive hours. But what really matters is how you use that free power.

Time-of-Use Rates in Tampa

Tampa Electric offers TOU rates through its Energy Planner program, where the cost of electricity depends on demand. The concept is simple: use more power during low-demand hours, and you’ll pay less. Use it when everyone else is cranking their AC, and you’ll pay more. Here’s how all this breaks down:

  • Low Rate:The cheapest electricity rate, available for a small slice of the day—usually late-night and early morning hours.
  • Medium Rate:A midday price that’s still lower than the standard rate.
  • High Rate:The most expensive power, charged during peak demand hours.

You also need to be familiar with the area’s Peak & Off-Peak Windows:

  • Summer (April–October):Peak hours run from 12 PM to 9 PM.
  • Winter (November–March):Peak hours are from 6 AM–10 AM and 6 PM–10 PM.
  • Weekends & Holidays:Count as off-peak, which means lower costs.

Tips to Make the Most of Solar with TOU Rates

We said the concept was simple—but turning it into real savings takes strategy. Here’s how to optimize your solar to take advantage:

  • Know Your Local Peak Hours: Check your utility’s TOU schedule. Peak windows are often late afternoon to early evening—right when the sun starts dipping.
  • Run Big Appliances Earlier: We recommend using larger appliances, like laundry, dishwashers, and ovens, during daylight hours when your panels are cranking out energy.
  • Charge Devices and EVs Wisely: Plug in during off-peak or midday solar hours so you’re not pulling pricey evening power.
  • Use Timers: Set your pool pump or heater; water heater; and other heavy hitters to run during solar production hours.
  • Consider Battery Storage: A solar battery lets you “bank” daytime energy and use it during expensive evening peaks.
  • Track and Adjust as Needed: Monitor your usage and solar output monthly. Tiny adjustments, like bumping dinner prep earlier, really do add up over time.

Turn TOU into Your Advantage—Call Us Now

Time of Use rates aren’t something to fear—they’re a puzzle you can solve. Want to see how your Tampa home could beat TOU rates year-round? Solar Bear of Tampa is ready to help you create a customized plan that works for your schedule, your lifestyle, and your budget. Call us today at (727) 353-3886 to get started!