Will you have a higher or lower average monthly electric bill with solar panels in Arizona? Solar energy is a significant investment, and financially savvy homeowners run the numbers before proceeding with an installation.
As a top choice for residential solar panels in Arizona, Solar Solution AZ shares more details, including how switching to solar power might affect the bottom line.
What Is the Average Monthly Electric Bill?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) quotes the average cost of electricity in the U.S. in cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), with usage in kWh. Arizona’s average monthly electric bill is slightly below the national average. However, these figures can be deceiving.
Local averages fluctuate widely between specific locations. For example, the average monthly electric bill in Phoenix is vastly higher than comparable homes in Maricopa.
What About Solar Panels?
Estimating electric bill averages becomes even more complicated when considering the addition of solar panels. Several factors come into play, and the number of households hooked on solar energy is still too small to draw a reliable figure.
Nationally, the U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Residential reports that residential and commercial solar energy accounted for 3% of the country’s total electricity (2020). Solar installations are increasing as installation costs continue to fall, though. And homeowners in Arizona who install solar energy will usually report an overall drop in their monthly energy bill over time.
Factors That Influence Electric Bills With Solar Panels
How much can you expect to pay after solar panels go live? It depends on the following:
Electricity Consumption
Is consumption the same? Monthly electricity bills will likely drop after installing solar panels.
Net Metering and Connection Costs
Utility companies typically compensate customers who own photovoltaic arrays. They get net metering credits for the excess power they add to the grid. Your utility company’s connection fees and time-of-use (TOU) costs also affect the final figure.
Solar Array Configuration
Some rooftop solar panel installations eliminate high TOU charges by using a solar battery for power during peak hours.
Solar Energy Production
The average residential solar panel setup can generate 720 kWh to 900 kWh monthly. With electricity consumption hovering in this range, you can expect a significant drop in your energy bill.
How Soon Can You Break Even On Solar Installation?
Looking at electric bills over the last decade with the rise of solar panels, most Arizona homeowners can recoup the solar installation cost in five to ten years.
Get Professional Advice on Solar Installation in Arizona
Crunching numbers on a solar installation is far simpler with specific data for your region. Why not ask Solar Solution AZ for an estimate of what you can expect to save after installing solar panels in your location? We’ve served more than 3,000 customers and would be happy to show you how your electric bill will pay for your solar system.
Call Solar Solution AZ at 520-858-0220 today to determine your average monthly electric bill with solar panels and see whether a solar investment is a good idea for your Arizona home.
