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HVAC installer shows how he used solar power to spite utility company: 'Been a good year'

"Evil utilities are a dime a dozen."

One Redditor shares how they're forced to rely on solar energy to avoid overpriced utility bills from their local energy company.

Photo Credit: iStock

When it comes to assessing the value and cost-effectiveness of solar energy, the proof is in the numbers. 

To understand your solar options and save money on a new solar setup, TCD's Solar Explorer can help. Meanwhile, you can find details and examples of homeowners' solar systems on the r/solar subreddit and other similar subreddits, like r/OffGrid

Photo Credit: Reddit

"It's been a good year, and yet I'll break even on the true-up," one Reddit user shared with a screenshot of their monthly energy production and consumption. "Bay Area. PGE is the devil." 

The screenshot shows a graph of solar energy produced and used by their setup between January and October. The highest energy usage occurred in the summer months, while usage was lower when the weather was cooler. 


The OP shared in the comments that they have a 9.98kW system and 33 340-watt panels. 

This firsthand, real-world account of a solar system is helpful because it enables others to predict how solar energy could also benefit them. 

Installing solar panels is among the best ways to save money on your monthly utility bills, especially amidst rising energy costs nationwide. When you power your home with solar and pair your panels with backup battery storage, you'll also be more resilient when extreme storms hit and the grid goes down. 

The process of finding a trusted solar company and buying new panels can be overwhelming if you're going solar for the first time. That's where our Solar Explorer can help, connecting you with trusted partners to simplify the process of upgrading to solar and helping you save up to $10,000 on installation costs. 

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This helpful tool can also help you find $0-down subscription options to help you get solar on a budget. 

For instance, Palmetto's LightReach program can help you utilize federal tax credits that have been retired for direct purchases through lower rates. Leasing programs like this one can reduce your utility rate by up to 20% — a significant reduction in the price you pay per unit of electricity. 

What's the biggest thing stopping you from going solar?

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Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

You can drive your utility costs even lower by pairing your solar panels with energy-efficient appliances, such as Mitsubishi heat pumps. Mitsubishi helps homeowners find affordable heat pumps that work well with solar and complement clean-energy systems that don't pollute the planet. 

Once you start seeing the cost-saving benefits of your solar system, you might be inspired to share on Reddit like the OP in this r/solar post. 

"We hit 21MWh for the year earlier this month," one Reddit user commented on the OP's post. "Hoping to bank enough credits to mostly cover the upcoming heating season. Last January's cold snap was brutal."

"Freaking awesome," another Redditor commented. "Evil utilities are a dime a dozen. Breaking free of ours now, too."

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