Prepare for Higher Electric Bills

Over the past year, Ohio consumers have seen prices rise on gas, eggs, and utility bills. In October 2022, FirstEnergy announced that they would be paying over double their regular price for electricity during the 2023 summer season. With this pay increase, families all over Ohio will see their electric bills increase this summer. As utility companies like FirstEnergy raise their prices, it’s becoming clear that traditional utilities are becoming increasingly expensive. This article will cover why your electric bills keep going up and how solar panels give you independence and money back in your pocket.

Rising Energy Prices

One of the most significant factors contributing to rising energy costs is fossil fuel use. With a worldwide embargo on Russian oil, US companies have raised prices on products like natural gas, a primary generator of electricity in Ohio. Even though oil and natural gas companies currently have over 7,000 unused drilling permits, these companies continue to cite hardship due to the embargo and refuse to provide more resources to generate electricity. Another reason for rising energy prices is worsening weather conditions.

As temperatures continue to rise, increased demand for electricity to power AC units will cause prices to increase. These advances in temperature and other climate change directly result from burning fossil fuels to generate electricity. Not only do burning natural gas and other fossil fuels contribute to climate change, but they also contribute to air pollution and worse asthma symptoms for our children.

However, the good news is that there is a solution to these rising energy costs. By switching to solar power, families can reduce their energy costs, take control of their energy consumption, and positively impact the environment.

The Benefits of Solar

The first benefit of switching to solar power is that it can help reduce energy costs. Solar power is a renewable energy source, so it is not subject to the same price fluctuations as traditional energy sources. As we covered in a previous article, no matter the time of year, solar panels can effectively generate more than enough electricity for your home.

In addition to reducing energy costs, families who switch to solar can save money. On average, Ohioans spend about $172 per month on their electric bill. For families who power their homes 100% with solar power, that can lead to over $2000 a year in savings alone! In addition to these instant savings, families who generate a surplus of energy can receive credits from the utility company that they can cash in for extra money or use if they need additional electricity that month. However, solar not only gives you opportunities to save money, but you can also make additional income!

When you generate a surplus of income, you can earn credits from the utility company that can help offset your utility bill; you can also sell the surplus energy in the form of a renewable energy certificate or REC. According to state law, these RECs show that Ohio has diversified its electricity sources by using power from renewable sources, such as solar. By switching to solar, not only do you save money, you can earn money and help make Ohio a greener state!

Another benefit of switching to solar power is that it gives families more control over their energy consumption. Families can generate their energy with a solar panel system, which means they are not dependent on the energy grid. This independence can help families save money on their utility bills, as they are no longer paying for energy that they are not using.

The final benefit of switching to solar power is that it can increase the value of a family’s home. Homes that have a solar panel system are more attractive to potential buyers, as they offer the potential for reduced energy costs and a lower carbon footprint. A solar panel system can increase the home’s value, making it a valuable investment for families looking to sell their property in the future. A study by Zillow found that homes with solar panels sold for 4.1% more than comparable homes; that’s nearly $10,000 of extra value on your home!

Free Solar Panel Home Analysis

If you’re considering solar and aren’t sure if your home will be a good fit, take advantage of our free, no-obligation solar analysis. Using advanced 3D imaging software, we design a rendering of your home to scale, replicating surrounding shade, roof pitch, and exact electricity usage. All we need is a copy of your most recent power bill. After you request a free analysis from our team, we can have your design ready in less than 24 hours.