A Solar-Powered Journey
As a self-proclaimed data geek and homeowner, the idea of solar panels was simply too tempting to resist. When my spouse and I moved into our new home in 2020, we eagerly decided to invest in a solar panel array for our roof. Little did we know that this decision would lead us down a path of bright savings and energy enlightenment.
The Solar Snapshot
Our 23 solar panels are rated to produce a total of 828 kilowatts (kW), but in reality, energy production doesn’t quite reach those lofty heights. The maximum output we’ve seen is around 66 kW when the sun is at its peak, and on the brightest, cloudless days, we can generate up to 56 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in a single day. Impressive, right?
To put that into perspective, in our first billing cycle after the panels were installed, our house used an average of 53 kWh per day. During that same period, our solar panels were producing an average of 40 kWh per day – that’s about 75% of our energy needs coming straight from the sun! Not a bad start.
Seasonal Fluctuations
Of course, as with anything reliant on the whims of Mother Nature, our solar production can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride throughout the year. June, for example, is about 25% brighter than the average month, and we can generate almost twice as much energy on the best summer days compared to the best winter days.
Over the course of our first year with solar, about 38% of our total energy usage was powered by our panels. And that’s with our gas-powered furnace for winter heating not being included in that calculation. It’s a pretty impressive feat, if I do say so myself.
The Grid Giveth, the Grid Taketh Away
One of the key benefits of our solar setup is the concept of net metering. Essentially, any excess energy we produce during the day gets fed back into the grid, and we receive credits on our utility bill. This means the grid acts as a sort of free, infinite-capacity battery, storing our excess energy for when we need it.
In our first full month with the panels, we consumed 1,144 kWh from the grid but sent back 690 kWh in excess. Calculating the total, we produced 1,317 kWh and consumed 1,771 kWh. So even though we don’t produce more energy than we consume overall, there are plenty of moments throughout the day when we’re generating more than we need.
The SREC Bonus
But wait, there’s more! On top of the savings we see on our utility bills, there’s another financial perk to our solar setup: Solar Renewable Energy Certificates, or SRECs. These are essentially “fake tokens” that solar energy producers like us can sell to power companies to help them meet their renewable energy requirements.
In our first year, we sold around $2,500 worth of SRECs, which after taxes equates to about $1,875 in extra income. Now, the SREC market can be a bit volatile, and supply and demand could shift in the coming years, but for now, it’s a welcome bonus.
The Solar Math
Okay, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty numbers. The total cost for our solar panel installation, including the 26% federal tax credit, was around $25,000. This works out to about $262 per watt of production capacity, which is pretty reasonable.
Recouping the Costs
According to our installer’s projections, we should be able to recoup the installation costs in around 6 years, thanks to the lower utility bills, SREC credits, and the federal tax credit. But as with anything involving predictions, there are a lot of variables at play.
In our first year, the total savings from electricity and SRECs was about $2,933. If that holds true, we’d be looking at a payback period of around 9 years. However, if the value of SRECs were to drop to zero after a decade, it might take us around 11 years to recoup the investment.
Keep in mind that the payback period doesn’t depend on how much energy we consume – it’s all about the energy our panels produce and the financial benefits we reap from it. As long as we have net metering, the exact amount of energy we use is less relevant.
Maintenance and Insurance
Of course, there are a few other costs to consider. We’ve had zero maintenance costs so far, but we’ve estimated that removing the panels from the roof four times over the next 30 years could average out to around $200 per year. And our homeowner’s insurance premium has increased by $9 per year to cover the replacement value of the panels.
Environmental Impact
It’s worth noting that the manufacturing, shipping, and eventual disposal of the solar panels do come with an environmental cost. But when weighed against the clean, renewable energy they produce over their 30-year lifespan, the tradeoffs seem well worth it.
A Bright Future
As I look back on our solar journey, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and excitement. Not only have we been able to lower our energy bills and do our part for the environment, but we’ve also become part of a growing movement towards a more sustainable future.
The Solar As Systems Inc. team has been an incredible partner, guiding us through every step of the process and ensuring our system is performing at its best. And with the recent advancements in solar technology and financing options, I believe the future is only getting brighter for homeowners like us.
So, if you’re on the fence about going solar, I’d encourage you to take the leap. The savings, the environmental impact, and the sense of empowerment you’ll feel are all well worth it. Who knows, you might just end up being the next solar success story in your neighborhood.
Bright Savings Across the South
While our solar journey has been an exciting one, we’re not the only ones reaping the benefits of this renewable energy revolution. In fact, a new program in Georgia is making solar more accessible than ever for families struggling with rising energy costs.
Leveling the Playing Field
The Georgia BRIGHT (Building Renewables – Investing for Green, Healthy, Thriving Communities) program, run by the nonprofit Capital Good Fund, is a game-changer for homeowners who may not have had access to traditional solar programs. By offering a solar leasing option with no upfront costs, the program is able to provide day-one energy savings for families who make less than $100,000 per year.
According to the Southern Environmental Law Center, the Georgia BRIGHT program has the potential to nearly double the number of rooftop solar customers in the state. And with the help of a $7 billion Solar for All grant from the EPA, the program is set to expand from a pilot serving 200 households to reaching up to 8,000 over the next five years.
Saving Savannah Families
One of the participants in the Georgia BRIGHT pilot program is David Morgan, a homeowner in the Savannah area. Before joining the program, Morgan’s monthly power bill was around $239 – an unsustainable burden for many families. But with the no-upfront-cost solar lease, Morgan now expects to see a savings of around $100 per month on his energy bills.
“It is very beneficial for your average Joe,” Morgan said. “You don’t have to come up with a lot of money, and with this program, I didn’t have any upfront costs. So that really changes things.”
Resilience and Opportunity
But the benefits of the Georgia BRIGHT program extend beyond just immediate cost savings. The program also offers participants the option to add battery storage, helping to provide resilience against power outages caused by strengthening storms and other climate change impacts.
And as reported by Marketplace, the program is also creating good-paying career opportunities for local installers, like Nicole Lee of Be Smart Home Solutions. By training and employing members of the community, the Georgia BRIGHT program is not only lowering energy bills but also investing in the long-term sustainability of the region.
As the climate crisis continues to intensify, initiatives like the Georgia BRIGHT program offer a glimmer of hope for families across the South struggling with rising energy costs. By making solar accessible and empowering local communities, these innovative solutions are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
Conclusion: Embracing the Solar Revolution
My own solar journey has been full of bright savings, environmental benefits, and a sense of empowerment. But as I’ve learned, the solar revolution is not just about individual homeowners like myself – it’s about transforming entire communities and creating a more equitable, resilient energy landscape.
Programs like Georgia BRIGHT demonstrate that with the right policies, financing options, and community-driven approaches, solar power can be a game-changer for families of all income levels. By lowering energy bills, creating jobs, and building resilience against climate impacts, these initiatives are proving that the future of energy is not just bright – it’s accessible, sustainable, and empowering.
So, whether you’re a homeowner considering solar panels or a policymaker looking to support your community, I encourage you to embrace the solar revolution. The bright savings, the environmental impact, and the sense of personal and collective transformation are all well worth the journey. The future is solar, and it’s never been more within reach.
