• Home Home

Savvy homeowner reveals how he slashed over $400 off his monthly energy bill: 'If you are on the fence about it ... do it'

"Glad it's working out for you."

One Florida homeowner’s decision to install solar panels earlier this year is paying off in a big way. The homeowner shared to the r/solar community about their strategic timing installing a 44-panel solar system on their 5,000-square-foot home in Central Florida. The results speak for themselves: Their monthly bills dropped by over 80%. “I signed a contract at the end of January due to seeing my power bills getting out of control and local utility getting a rate increase approved by the state,” they explained. “In Aug/Sept last year, [I] had power bills over $500 … this time it was $93.” The system cost $33,000 before the 30 percent federal tax credit, and it features 44 REC Alpha Pure 2 panels that generate 420 watts of power each. The homeowner calculated a payback period of less than seven years. Going solar is one of the most effective ways to save money on energy costs and reduce planet-heating pollution. Homeowners can explore EnergySage’s free tools to get quick solar installation estimates and compare quotes from trusted local installation companies. Many of the tax credits for solar panels expire at the end of 2025. Taking advantage of these incentives, which offer as much as 30% off installation costs, could add up to thousands of dollars in savings. EnergySage estimates the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar installations. The platform offers a unique mapping tool showing state-by-state average costs for home systems, plus details on incentives. If the upfront investment is problematic, Palmetto’s LightReach leasing program allows customers to install solar panels for zero dollars down, letting you lock in low clean energy rates. Homeowners can also pair solar panels with other electric appliances to drive costs further down, such as heat pumps. Mitsubishi makes it easy to find the right installer and heat pump for your home and budget, simplifying your life and helping our environment. As for the OP’s solar installation, fellow Redditors were quick to celebrate their success story. “The best time to install solar is 10 years ago; the second-best time is today,” one Redditor shared. “Glad it’s working out for you.” Installing solar panels at home is a wonderful investment for your home and for our planet — and there’s never been a better time. Take it from the OP: “If you are on the fence about it, I would say to do it before the tax credit is gone.”

Photo Credit: iStock

One Florida homeowner's decision to install solar panels earlier this year is paying off in a big way. 

The homeowner shared to the r/solar community about their strategic timing installing a 44-panel solar system on their 5,000-square-foot home in Central Florida. The results speak for themselves: Their monthly bills dropped by over 80%.

"I signed a contract at the end of January due to seeing my power bills getting out of control and local utility getting a rate increase approved by the state," they explained. "In Aug/Sept last year, [I] had power bills over $500 … this time it was $93."

The system cost $33,000 before the 30 percent federal tax credit, and it features 44 REC Alpha Pure 2 panels that generate 420 watts of power each. The homeowner calculated a payback period of less than seven years. 


Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area.

To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.

The Cool Down may receive a commission on signups made through links on this page, but we only promote partners we vet and believe in. For more cool tips like this one, check out our solutions marketplace here.

Going solar is one of the most effective ways to save money on energy costs and reduce planet-heating pollution. Homeowners can explore EnergySage's free tools to get quick solar installation estimates and compare quotes from trusted local installation companies. 

Many of the tax credits for solar panels expire at the end of 2025. Taking advantage of these incentives, which offer as much as 30% off installation costs, could add up to thousands of dollars in savings. 

EnergySage estimates the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar installations. The platform offers a unique mapping tool showing state-by-state average costs for home systems, plus details on incentives.

If the upfront investment is problematic, Palmetto's LightReach leasing program allows customers to install solar panels for zero dollars down, letting you lock in low clean energy rates.

FROM OUR PARTNER

Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number

Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation.

To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.

Homeowners can also pair solar panels with other electric appliances to drive costs further down, such as heat pumps. Mitsubishi makes it easy to find the right installer and heat pump for your home and budget, simplifying your life and helping our environment. 

As for the OP's solar installation, fellow Redditors were quick to celebrate their success story. 

If you don't have solar panels on your home, which of these factors is the biggest barrier to installing them?

Upfront costs 💰

Trouble with my HOA 🚩

Too much maintenance 🔧

An incompatible roof 🏠

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

"The best time to install solar is 10 years ago; the second-best time is today," one Redditor shared. "Glad it's working out for you."

Installing solar panels at home is a wonderful investment for your home and for our planet — and there's never been a better time. 

Take it from the OP: "If you are on the fence about it, I would say to do it before the tax credit is gone."

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

Cool Divider