Solar Power Systems: Does Size Matter (Part 2)

In the previous post, we talked about the criteria to consider when deciding on the size of solar power system you will need. Today, we’re going to dig into the different levels of offset you can garner for your energy bills with solar power.

So let’s kick this off with a question: How much coverage do you want?

90-100% Bill Offset
If, based upon the criteria outlined in the previous post, your family plans to use more electricity over the next ten years, or if your goal is to eliminate your home’s energy usage from your carbon footprint entirely, this is the amount of offset you will need. One bonus of this is that if your solar production levels end up exceeding the needs of your home, you can also use this to offset other personal energy use that is not tied to your home in order to work toward a low-to-zero personal carbon footprint!

80% Bill Offset
This is the sweet spot. It is generally acknowledged that the ideal bill coverage is 80%, as it serves to drop the electrical usage of most average homes into the lowest (and least expensive) tier of billing rates. With the “Time of Use” billing structure, which is measured with special meters that calculate how much and when electricity is used, 80% of bill coverage is the level at which the solar power system pays for itself the fastest for most homeowners.

70% Bill Offset
This is a very cost-effective way to go if you are planning to use less electricity, conduct a Home Energy Audit or are short on roof space for the number of solar panels needed to fully offset your electricity usage. This option allows you to go solar now to take advantage of government rebate programs so you can lock-in low energy costs. Even if your energy usage drops up to 30% over time, this size system makes economic sense since you will already enjoy low monthly energy bills immediately with a faster ROI thanks to your new solar power system!

Whether your offset goals are moderate or aggressive, there is a solar power system that is right for you. If you have questions, schedule a free solar power evaluation, and we’ll help you decide which size system you need.

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Solar Power Systems: Does Size Matter? (Part 1)

One of the most common questions potential solar customers ask is, “What size solar power system do I need to offset my electricity bill?” The Reader’s Digest version of the answer is that, from a financial standpoint, you don’t want your solar investment to far outweigh your immediate need. Yet you also don’t want to be short-sighted when it comes to your future energy use.

It’s fairly easy to get an idea of current requirements by reviewing your energy usage over the past few years. There are also some tools you can employ to get a more accurate idea of how you currently use energy, such as having a professional home energy efficiency audit conducted, and adding a Smart Meter that identifies consumption in more detail than a conventional utility meter.

You also will need to consider how you may or may not change the way you utilize electricity in the coming years. Some of the variables that can affect change in energy consumption include:

- Long-term or permanent changes in family size. If you have children heading off to college or out on their own, are just starting a family, or have Grandma or Grandpa coming to live with you, your energy usage could change significantly.

- Appliance upgrades. Swapping out your old, avocado-green appliances for new Energy Star models not only makes them easier on the eyes--it can also dramatically reduce your household energy requirements.

- Creature comforts. Installing central air conditioning systems or hot tubs always serves to increase your energy bills.

- Gettin’ your Prius on. Driving hybrids is great for the environment, but remember that you will need to charge your new car’s batteries in order to reap the benefits to your carbon footprint.

- Home improvements. Making changes to the infrastructure of your home, including installing a programmable thermostat, weatherproofing doors and windows, insulating your hot water heater, replacing single-pane windows with their double- (or even triple-) paned counterparts, mounting an attic fan to drive warm air out in the summer, and adding extra insulation to attics, crawl spaces, and basements, can all add up to big energy savings.

These changes, made incrementally over time, generally don’t provide an immediate huge impact on your energy bill. But down the road, you will definitely notice a significant 5- or 10-year change in consumption—and that sustained change is what you need to consider when configuring your solar energy system.

In my next post, I’ll talk a bit about the different levels of offset you can achieve for your energy bills with a new solar power system. Stay tuned!