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Why Is My FPL Bill So High In 2022?

If you live in the Greater Orlando area, you likely have Florida Power & Light as your utility provider. As utility companies around Florida struggle to deal with the increased costs of natural gas, you may notice that your FPL bill is higher than normal.

What can you do? Our team at Solar Bear Orlando explains why energy costs are so high and what you can do to combat them!

Why is My Energy Bill So High?

There are many reasons why electric bills are on the rise these days. We are still dealing with supply chain issues that began during the pandemic, geopolitical conflicts that are affecting prices, and extreme weather events, like Hurricane Ian, which are becoming more frequent. All have an impact on your energy bill, whether with an increased price or increased consumption.

Like many industries, energy companies are struggling to source materials and the labor necessary to meet demands, therefore they are pushing up prices.

But there is another unexpected reason for these higher electricity bills—higher rates from extra consumption. It’s simple. The more electricity you use, the more you will pay for your electricity usage. Makes sense, right? So, if your energy costs are twice as high as usual, it isn’t simply that you used twice as much electricity. It is more likely that your utility company is charging you more per kilowatt hour than the extra energy you are using beyond your typical base rate.

Utility Company Petitions

In early September 2022, Florida Power & Light, Tampa Electric Co. (TECO), and Duke Energy Florida, filed petitions to raise energy prices at the state Public Service Commission. If these petitions are passed, customers throughout Florida will see higher bills starting in January 2023.

Of the proposed increases for 2023, it is estimated that customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity will see a 13% increase. That would make a monthly bill from FPL increase from $120.67 to $130.23.

While future rates could change depending on the costs of fossil fuel, FPL estimates that based on 1,000 kilowatt houses a month of usage that average bills will be:

• $117.92 in 2023
• $118.12 in 2024
• $118.38 in 2025

What You Can Do

Though there aren’t many consumers can do about these rising prices, there are a few things that they can do around the house to adjust. Of course, we recommend installing a solar panel system to offset these rising costs!

Why? Because if you are stuck using only grid-supplied power, there is nothing you can do to lower your rates. So, you are left with trying to change your thermostat habits, or unplugging appliances to help offset energy costs.

But if you install solar panels, you can lower your electric bill significantly, especially if you take advantage of net metering.

Essentially, the idea is that the power you generate with your solar panels will replace or offset the power that you need to buy from FPL. If you break down the monthly costs of your solar panels and compare that to how much power they produce, the cost per kWh for electricity from your solar system is lower than the electricity rates from your utility company.

Further Electricity Savings Tips

Here are a few more tips to help you save on energy costs when you install a solar panel system.

#1. Use Less Electricity

The less energy you use overall, the more likely it is that you can depend more on your solar panels and not your utility. Go room by room and find ways to be more energy efficient. This could mean:

• Upgrading to Energy Star appliances
• Running your HVAC less or turning up the thermostat
• Replacing traditional light bulbs with LEDs
• Unplugging small appliances when you aren’t using them
• Running only full loads of dirty dishes or clothing
• Using heavy curtains to block the sun
• Keeping your fridge three-quarters full
• Turning down your water heater to 120° F

#2. Battery Storage

You can also invest in solar battery storage, which will store any excess electricity that your panels generate that isn’t used immediately by your home. Then, if there is a cloudy day, you can use the reserved power instead of using power from the grid.

#3. Sign Up for Net Metering

Net metering allows you to take the excess electricity from your solar panels and add it to the grid. You then will receive a credit from your utility company for the extra electricity, which can in turn lower your monthly electricity payments.

#4. Optimize Time-of-Use

A time-of-use plan means that you will get lower rates if you use energy in off-peak hours.

You can:

• Run devices that use ample energy, like washing machines during non-peak hours.
• Invest in a smart thermostat that allows you to set specific times to run your air.
• Turn off unnecessary power during peak hours.
• Charge your electric vehicle in non-peak hours.

Peak and off-peak hours will vary based on where you live, the season, your electrical company, and other factors. Peak hours are usually when electricity demand is at its highest, and off-peak is when it is at its lowest.

Related > Top Cities for Solar Energy in Florida

Save With Solar

Combat rising energy costs by going solar! Our team at Solar Bear Orlando is ready to help you decide the best system for you so you can gain energy independence today.

Ready to get started? Call Solar Bear Orlando today at (727) 471-7442!

How Do Solar Panels, Batteries, and the Grid Work Together?

To some, going solar means going off the grid entirely. But did you know that grid-tied solar power setups are the most common panel system in the United States? These systems are connected to the grid and can work without a battery. Solar Bear of Tampa takes a closer look at how grid-tied solar systems work together to produce a magnificent product (solar energy, we’re lookin’ at you).

A grid-tied system consists of solar panels that generate electricity from the sun’s rays. Any excess power from the system can be exported to the utility grid while simultaneously earning homeowners’ credits towards their monthly bills through net metering. Seasons are a great example of the ebb and flow of a grid-tied solar system. During the summer, a large portion of excess solar power can be generated. This excess will be sent to the grid and in exchange provides the homeowner with net metering credits that can be carried over and used during the winter when sunlight might be harder to come by.

These systems are similar to others that use photovoltaic (PV) panels to convert sunlight into usable electricity for homeowner needs. They are either installed on the roof or as a ground mount system in an area that receives ample sun exposure. However, there are some differences when it comes to grid-tied systems. They do require an inverter in order to communicate with the grid. This technology allows the home to not only import power from the utility but also export it. Most of these systems don’t require battery storage, making installation easier and more cost-effective. It’s important to note that because there is no battery storage, grid-tied solar systems will provide no backup power should an outage occur. This switch-off is for the safety of utility workers who may be working on utility lines to restore power.

If you are curious about adding a grid-tied solar system to your home, contact the Solar Bear of Tampa team at (727) 471-7442 for more information or get your free estimate here.

4 Reasons Why Solar Is the Fastest-Growing Energy Source in The U.S.

In the year 2021, solar energy consisted of over 20% of generated electricity in America. It seemed like not too long ago that you would only find solar panels on a select few homes in the neighborhood. So, what has caused solar energy to become rapidly popular in the past couple of years? Solar Bear Dallas is here with the main reasons why solar is the fastest-growing energy source in the US.

Solar Setups Are Becoming More Affordable

One of the main reasons why homeowners didn’t consider buying solar panels just a few years ago was due to the high cost. In 2010, solar energy was roughly $7.50 per watt for residential use. Just last year in 2021, the price of residential solar energy was as low as $2.60 per watt! This significant drop in price allowed solar panels to become accessible to a greater range of homeowners, which is one of the main reasons for their popularity in the United States today. As we continue moving forward into an eco-friendlier future, the affordability of solar panels will likely increase, meaning that even more people will use solar.

There Are Many Incentives for Going Solar

Many companies and government organizations want to make a push for solar because it’s better for both the environment and the economy. In order to encourage more homes to equip solar panel setups, they are offering an array of incentives to help you save money on the cost of installation. The most popular and rewarding incentive is the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which can cover up to 30% of your solar installation cost. This is provided on a federal scale, and as such, is available to many Americans.

The Demand for Clean Electricity Is Rising

After many decades of using fossil fuels, the consequences are finally starting to catch up to us. Coal, petroleum, and other natural gasses come in a finite supply that could run out as soon as 2060. Since we are starting to see the end of traditional gas, many individuals are beginning to prepare for the inevitable by purchasing vehicles and appliances that run on alternative energy such as solar.

Solar Energy Combats Increasing Utility Costs

In areas with hot climates such as Florida, California, and Texas, the cost of utility bills is at an all-time high. It’s nearly impossible not to use so much electricity when faced with triple-digit weather, but solar energy can help make up for that extra energy usage. On average, solar panel owners see energy savings of around 40-80% a month even with a smaller customized setup.

Get a Head Start on Solar Energy With Solar Bear Dallas!

It is now easier than ever for Texans to take part in the nationwide transition to clean solar energy for a brighter future. Solar Bear Dallas offers affordable pricing and flexible financing options so you can equip your home with renewable energy to last a lifetime. Call us today at (727) 471-7442 for a free estimate!

Can Solar Panels Be Custom-Designed to Fit My Energy Needs?

When most people hear about solar panel setups, they believe that it’s an all-or-nothing commitment. That couldn’t be any falser. Each and every home is built differently, and the unique way you use your energy is the reason why your electric bill is different from that of your next-door neighbor. Therefore, many solar companies will offer a more personal installation to fit your exact living situation. Find out how Solar Bear Houston can provide you with solar panels that are custom-designed to fit your energy needs.

Getting a Performance and Financial Analysis of Solar for Your Home

In order to find out how much energy you use and what your home is able to accommodate, a solar panel specialist will conduct a thorough analysis and identify energy leaks. They will then give you a personalized recommendation based on the amount of remaining energy. A customized solar panel setup will be able to cover the amount of excess energy and save you around 40-80% on your monthly electric bill, all without needing to commit to a full solar setup.

Personalized Recommendations from Your Solar Expert

Receiving a completely personalized solar panel recommendation involves many factors such for the most optimal usage proven by solid results and guaranteed satisfaction. A few examples of things your solar expert will factor into your customized solar recommendation include:

• How Much Energy Do You Use Daily?

 This includes some things that we don’t regularly think about which take up a great deal of energy, such as refrigerators that run nonstop or using a lot of hot water. But perhaps the worst culprit is your air conditioner which constantly powers on and off throughout the day. T

• Which Type of Roof Do You Have?

The type of roof your home has, and the way it’s angled, also have a role in how much solar energy your home will be able to gather.

Your recommendation will involve the size and number of solar panels you will need. Once you agree to your recommendation, a site surveyor will come down to your house to figure out the next course of action.

What Does a Solar Site Surveyor Do?

Within 48 hours of accepting your personalized recommendation, a site surveyor will come over to evaluate the scope of the project and inspect your roof to make sure that it’s in a good enough condition to support a solar panel setup. Any obstructions that would block any sunlight from reaching your solar panels will be taken into account and handled accordingly. And of course, you can always feel free to ask the site surveyor any questions you may have regarding the installation. This incredible attention to detail is all part of providing you with custom-designed solar panels for your personal energy needs!

Get Started on Your Personal Home Solar Setup!

At Solar Bear Houston, we do all of the above and more, in order to give you a personalized solar panel experience that feels instantly rewarding. We do our best to schedule around what’s convenient for you, and we take care of the extra details, such as handling your permit process and setting up your phone app, so all you have to do is sit back and relax! Call us today at (727) 471-7442 to get started.