Is Your Energy Bill Going Up?

With utility rates increasing yearly, one of the best decisions you can make is to go solar. Not only will solar panels pay for themselves, but it means you can free yourself from utility companies while lowering your monthly bill.

How does it work?

Essentially, the power you get from your solar panels replaces the energy you’d need to buy from your utility. When you break down the monthly cost of your solar panels and compare that to how much power they produce, the cost per kWh for electricity from your solar panels is lower than electricity from your utility. Helping you to free yourself from the grid and becoming more energy independent.

Allowing homeowners to generate their electricity independently is one of the many benefits modern solar panels provide. As more and more homeowners discover solar’s independence, questions like “will solar take me off the grid?” or “will solar eliminate my energy bill?” become more common. The answers? It depends.

One of the first and most important factors to consider before purchasing solar panels is how much of your electricity use you can offset with solar. Known as your energy offset, this figure is essential in calculating the energy savings and return on investment that solar panels can provide.

What is my energy offset? How can I increase it?

Your electricity usage offset (or energy offset) is the amount of electricity a home generates in a year relative to the total amount of electricity used in a home for that year. For example, if a home’s solar panels generate 80,000 kWh of electricity in a year and the home consumes 100,000 kWh, the house would have an 80% energy offset.

A few methods through which customers can increase their energy offset start with installing solar panels. A home with 100% energy offset generates the same electricity it uses in a year. This is also known as a “net-zero” building.

• Solar panels
• Energy efficiency
• Backup batteries or generators

It’s important to understand that offsetting 100% of your energy is not the same as being “off-grid.” Off-grid means being completely disconnected from any outside power sources. Most examples of homes that offset 100% of their energy do so without being off-grid. In some cases (such as our recent case study), energy-efficient homes with net metering can reach 100% energy offset without many solar panels.

Why does my energy offset matter?

It’s important to understand that offsetting 100% of your energy is not the same as being “off-grid.” Off-grid means being completely disconnected from any outside power sources. Most examples of homes that offset 100% of their energy do so without being off-grid. In some cases (such as our recent case study), energy-efficient homes with net metering can reach 100% energy offset without many solar panels.

I’m interested in solar. How can I find out my home’s potential energy offset?

The significant savings on one’s electric bill is one of the primary reasons homeowners decide to go solar. See how you can offset your energy use with solar. The best way to calculate your potential energy offset accurately is to speak with a solar professional. Our experienced consultants can calculate your potential energy offset by assessing your energy bill, roof size, and budget. Contact us today for your free consultation.