Maximizing the Value of Your Solar System With Solar Energy and Net Metering
States that support net metering (check here to see if your state qualifies), solar homeowners can sell any excess energy they generate back to the utility company.
Solar homeowners can reduce the amount of energy they purchase from the grid, saving them money. Furthermore, this helps utilities and the grid overall by decreasing demand for electricity.
Payback Period
The payback period for solar energy and net metering is an important factor to take into account. It’s calculated by comparing the upfront costs of the system with savings generated from using solar energy instead of grid electricity.
Depending on where you live and the amount of energy produced, the payback period can differ significantly. Furthermore, it’s essential to take into account any incentives, tax credits or rebates that may be available in your state or locality.
On average, homeowners can expect to recoup the initial cost of their solar panels within eight years. However, this depends on both total installation expenses and how much energy the panels generate.
Other factors that may influence your payback period include the age and condition of your roof, whether or not you take out a solar loan and the quality of equipment installed. Furthermore, local weather patterns can significantly impact savings as well as how much electricity is consumed.
Excess Energy
Solar panels capture the sun’s rays and transform them into electricity that powers your home or business. You can use this electricity for running kitchen appliances, hot water heaters and other electrical devices.
Your solar system may produce more electricity than needed in certain cases. In such instances, this excess energy can be fed back into the grid through net metering – a practice commonly used in utilities.
Your utility company should offer you credit or payment for this extra energy use. This is an effective way to reduce your power bill and ensure your solar system runs optimally.
Some solar systems also include batteries to store excess energy. This enables you to utilize them during nights, power outages, or when electricity rates are higher.
Credits
Net metering credits are a form of compensation for solar energy that homeowners can use to offset their electricity bills. While this program is generally available across most states, its availability may be restricted due to state or utility policy issues.
With the right solar system, you can generate enough power to cover most of your home’s total electricity needs for most of the year. However, the amount of electricity produced may differ during different times of day.
During summer months, your solar panels may generate more energy than you need for your home. Net metering allows you to sell this excess electricity back to the utility company and receive a credit on your bill for what extra power was generated.
Solar homeowners can experience significant financial benefits from this, as it reduces their monthly utility bill costs and expedites the time it takes for them to fully pay for their systems. In some states, homeowners even have the option to rollover net metering credits from month to month – similar to rolling over cell phone minutes!
Utility Bills
Utility bills can add up to hundreds of dollars each month and cover essential items like electricity, water and gas that are necessary for daily life.
Solar panels not only save you energy, but they may increase the value of your home in the long run. A study from Zillow revealed that homes with solar systems had higher resale values than those without.
However, it’s essential to remember that solar systems don’t create electricity; they cannot supply power overnight or during stormy days. Therefore, homeowners will still receive an electric bill each month even if their solar system produces maximum efficiency.
The City of Staunton provides customers with the option to enroll for automatic payment of their utility bill by having funds electronically drafted from their bank account on due dates. To do this, complete the Automatic Bank Draft Authorization form and attach either an original voided check or deposit slip from your bank. Alternatively, you may drop these forms off at City Hall’s Utility Payments counter.