As we head into the cooler months, most Arizonans begin to see dramatic decreases in their electrical bill. Once the air conditioner is turned off, the savings can be in the hundreds of dollars each month. Of course, this is a welcome relief. Yet, wouldn’t it be even better if the monthly bills were consistently low all year long?
They can be.
Solar power is the solution for saving substantially on energy costs. And, in the valley of the sun where we typically have more than 300 sunny days each year, switching to solar makes real dollars and sense!
As a homeowner, you may be a bit unsure of how you can save with solar. Here are just a few ways where the savings can really add up.
Water Heater
One of the easiest ways to begin saving with solar is to install a solar water heating system. How much you save depends on the amount of hot water you use, your system’s performance, your location, and the cost of gas/electricity in your area.
In general, you can expect about a 50 to 80 percent decrease in your water heating bills. For many families, this works out to be between $15 and $20 a month in savings.
Home Electricity
Beyond the water heater, solar photovoltaic (PV) can save you a tremendous amount on what you’re paying for your home’s electricity. A PV system converts sunlight directly into energy and provides the power to your home. For example, an average system that produces 430 kWh can save $60 or more each month.
Landscape Lighting
Solar outdoor lighting can cost slightly more than regular electrical fixtures, but this additional cost is offset almost immediately. Solar outdoor lights do not require wiring, trenching, or digging up existing landscaping which will save you substantially on installation. Of course, you also won’t have to pay for monthly electricity and bulb costs.
Tax Savings
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a federal tax credit for installing solar electric systems, solar water heating systems, and fuel cells. This credit will continue until 2016.
Utility Rebates
At CoolBlew, we can provide you with the latest on Arizona utility company rebates. These are on a first-come, first-serve basis, so it’s important to reserve a rebate as soon as possible.
Want to learn more about the substantial savings from solar. Read our article “Benefits of Owning Your Solar System.”
