Going solar can bring you some serious savings, and one homeowner recently took to Reddit to share their first-year results on just how much solar has changed the way they use energy.
The post, shared to the r/solar community, described a 7.3-kilowatt system installed on a home in North Carolina. The original poster explained that while their electric company doesn't offer full one-to-one credit for energy buyback, the panels have still made a massive difference.
"We spent about $12,578 after the federal tax rebate and saved $750 this year," they wrote. "I love being able to crank the heat in our home office during a sunny winter day without any guilt."
The OP also noted that replacing their old gas-powered furnace and water heater with efficient electric appliances has maximized their savings, with their electricity use dropping by over 600 kilowatt-hours compared to the year prior.
For anyone considering making the switch, going solar is definitely one of the best ways to cut your monthly energy bills and help the planet in the process. Sites like EnergySage can help with free tools that make it a cinch to compare quotes from local installers and see estimated costs in just minutes.
With solar tax credits set to begin expiring at the end of the year, homeowners could save thousands by locking in their installation soon.
And those savings can really add up — with EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar panel purchases and installations. Its free mapping tool even breaks down the average costs and available incentives by state, helping you secure the best deal possible.
Buying panels outright may not be in everyone's budget, but leasing them can also help you lock in low, predictable energy rates. Palmetto's LightReach program installs panels on your home for no money down, and pairing your panels with efficient electric appliances like the OP really amplifies the savings. Companies like Mitsubishi make it easy to find the right heat pump and installer for your needs.
Get $1,000 cash to slash your bills with rooftop solar panels for $0 down and low monthly payments Whatever your solar budget, Palmetto can help you save. If you want to buy your own panels, Palmetto's advisors can help you save up to $10,000 on installation through a network of preferred installers. And if you'd rather get solar savings without upfront costs, Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach subscription program can deliver — including an exclusive $1,000 cashback offer for TCD readers. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it painless to lock in long-term savings of up to 33% off your current power bill. Palmetto covers a 25-year warranty for the panels, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just book a short meeting with Palmetto's experts to explore your options and find the solution that's right for you. |
Speaking of the OP, commenters on the thread were quick to celebrate their savings.
"Awesome. I just got solar installed and I'm excited for the savings," shared one person.
"Congrats — I am sure it feels good to be able [to] take a look at the overall numbers for the entire year, and see real-world values!" another Redditor said.
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If you don't have solar panels on your home, which of these factors is the biggest barrier to installing them? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Upfront costs 💰 
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