How Does Paying For Electric With Solar Panels Work

However even if your solar panels supply 100 of your annual electricity needs you will still receive a monthly bill from your electric company.

How does paying for electric with solar panels work.

The size of your solar panel system among other factors influences the number of kilowatt hours kwh that are produced. While solar leases and power purchase. The higher your bill the more likely you ll benefit from switching. Most utility companies charge a minimum monthly fee which means that you will have to pay a small amount every month even if your usage that month is zero or even negative.

It is calculated by taking the total cost to install the system then subtracting solar incentives and or rebates and monthly electric bill savings until the total cost has been paid off. Eventually your system may produce enough power that the utility company will owe you money instead of the other way around. How do solar panels work to generate electricity. A standard solar panel also known as a solar module consists of a layer of silicon cells a metal frame a glass casing and various wiring to allow current to flow from the silicon cells silicon atomic 14 on the periodic table is a nonmetal with conductive properties that allow it to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity.

A solar provider handles the installation and then leases the equipment to you at a fixed monthly amount or sells you the electricity the panels generate at a set price per kilowatt hour. The size of your solar panel system has a direct impact on your monthly electric bill. A recent study found that solar panels are viewed as upgrades just like a renovated kitchen or a finished basement and home buyers across the country have been willing to pay a premium of about 15 000 for a home with an average sized solar array. Solar panels generate their own power and can therefore greatly offset your monthly electricity bill if not eliminate it.

1 over two to three decades. In situations where your solar panels produce enough electricity to start offsetting your energy usage your electric bill can suddenly turn into a credit statement. Solar panel payback period is the amount of time it ll take you to completely pay off your solar power system through savings on your electric bill. How do solar panels work.

Whether you choose to buy or lease your solar panels will have a major impact on your system s long term value. If you use gas your solar panels won t cover the gas portion of your utility usage so you ll still need to pay for that as usual. How are you financing your solar panel system. Most residential solar panel systems are anywhere from 5 to 10 kilowatts kw.