What Happens to Your Electric Bill After You Go Solar?

By Syed Qasim On Sep 19, 2023

Have you ever wondered what happens to your electric bill after you go solar? Many homeowners are interested in switching to solar energy, but they are not sure how it will affect their monthly expenses. Will they still have to pay for electricity from the grid? How much will they save with solar panels? How long will it take to break even on their investment?

In this guest post, we will answer these questions and more. We will explain how solar panels affect your electric bill, what factors influence your savings, and how you can maximise your benefits with NuSolas Energy, a leading solar panel installation company in Ireland.

How Solar Panels Affect Your Electric Bill

The first thing you need to know is that going solar does not mean going off the grid. Unless you have a battery storage system, you will still be connected to the electricity network and use it as a backup when your solar panels are not producing enough power. This means that you will still receive an electric bill from your utility company, but it will be much lower than before.

The amount of your electric bill after going solar depends on two main factors: your net metering scheme and your solar panel system size.

Net Metering Scheme

Net metering is a policy that allows you to sell the excess electricity that your solar panels generate back to the grid. This way, you can offset the cost of the electricity that you use from the grid when your solar panels are not working or when your demand is higher than your production.

There are different types of net metering schemes in Ireland, depending on your utility company and your contract. Some of them are:

Export Payment Scheme: This is a voluntary scheme offered by some suppliers, such as Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity, that pays you a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity that you export to the grid. The rate varies depending on the supplier, but it is usually around 8-10 cents per kWh.
Smart Export Guarantee: This is a new scheme that will be introduced in 2022, following the EU Renewable Energy Directive. It will require all suppliers to offer a minimum payment for the electricity that you export to the grid, based on market prices. The exact details of this scheme are still being finalised, but it is expected to be more favourable than the current export payment scheme.
Net Billing: This is a scheme that allows you to deduct the value of the electricity that you export to the grid from the value of the electricity that you import from the grid, at the same rate. For example, if you pay 20 cents per kWh for the electricity that you use from the grid, and you export 10 kWh of electricity to the grid, you will receive a credit of 200 cents (10 x 20) on your bill. This scheme is not widely available in Ireland yet, but it may become more common in the future.

Depending on which net metering scheme you have, you may receive a lower or higher electric bill after going solar. The more favourable the scheme, the more money you can save by exporting your excess electricity to the grid.

Solar Panel System Size

The other factor that affects your electric bill after going solar is your solar panel system size. The size of your system determines how much electricity you can generate with your solar panels and how much you can reduce your reliance on the grid.

The size of your system depends on several factors, such as:

Your roof size and orientation: The larger and more south-facing your roof is, the more space and sunlight you have for installing solar panels.
Your energy consumption and habits: The more electricity you use and the more consistent your usage pattern is, the larger system you need to meet your demand.
Your budget and preferences: The larger system you install, the more upfront cost you have to pay, but also the more long-term savings you can enjoy.

To find out the optimal system size for your home, you need to consult with a professional solar installer who can assess your roof condition, energy needs, and financial goals. They can also help you choose the best type and quality of solar panels for your situation.

How Much Can You Save with Solar Panels?

The amount of money that you can save with solar panels depends on several factors, such as:

Your electricity rate: The higher the rate that you pay for the electricity that you use from the grid, the more you can save by generating your own electricity with solar panels.
Your solar panel system size and performance: The larger and more efficient your system is, the more electricity you can generate and the less you need to buy from the grid.
Your net metering scheme: The more favourable the scheme that you have, the more you can earn or save by exporting your excess electricity to the grid.
Your solar panel system cost and incentives: The lower the cost of your system and the higher the incentives that you receive, such as grants, tax credits, or loans, the faster you can recover your initial investment and start saving money.

To estimate how much you can save with solar panels, you can use online calculators or tools that take into account these factors and give you a personalised quote. However, these are only rough estimates and may not reflect your actual savings. The best way to find out how much you can save with solar panels is to get a detailed proposal from a reputable solar installer who can analyse your specific situation and offer you a tailored solution.

How to Maximise Your Benefits with NuSolas Energy?

If you are looking for a reliable and experienced solar installer in Ireland, look no further than NuSolas. NuSolas Energy is a leading solar panel installation company that offers high-quality products and services at competitive prices. Here are some of the benefits of choosing NuSolas Energy for your solar project:

Free consultation and site survey: NuSolas Energy will provide you with a free consultation and site survey to assess your roof condition, energy needs, and financial goals. They will also advise you on the best system size, type, and design for your home.
Premium solar panels and inverters: NuSolas Energy only uses premium solar panels and inverters from trusted brands, such as LG, Panasonic, SolarEdge, and SMA. These products have high efficiency, durability, and warranty, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of your system.
Professional installation and maintenance: NuSolas Energy has a team of qualified and certified installers who will install your system safely and securely. They will also provide you with ongoing maintenance and support to ensure that your system is running smoothly and efficiently.
Affordable financing options: NuSolas Energy offers flexible financing options to suit your budget and preferences. You can choose to pay upfront, apply for a low-interest loan, or lease your system with no upfront cost. NuSolas Energy will also help you access any grants or incentives that are available for your project.
Customer satisfaction guarantee: NuSolas Energy is committed to providing excellent customer service and satisfaction. They will handle all the paperwork and permits for your project, answer any questions or concerns that you may have, and ensure that you are happy with the results.

If you are ready to go solar and save money on your electric bill, contact NuSolas Energy today for a free quote. You will be amazed by how much you can save with their solar solutions.

Conclusion

Going solar is one of the best decisions that you can make for your home and your wallet. Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment, but you will also lower your electric bill significantly and enjoy long-term savings.

To get the most out of your solar investment, you need to work with a reputable solar installer who can offer you a customised solution that suits your needs and goals. That’s why we recommend NuSolas Energy, a leading commercial solar panel installation company in Ireland that offers high-quality products and services at competitive prices.

Don’t wait any longer. Contact NuSolas Energy today and find out how much you can save with their solar solutions.

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to install solar panels?

A: The installation process usually takes one or two days, depending on the size and complexity of your system. However, before the installation, there are some steps that need to be completed, such as getting a site survey, applying for permits, ordering equipment, etc. These steps may take several weeks or months, depending on your location and situation.

Q: How long does it take to break even on my solar investment?

A: The break-even point is when the savings from your solar panels equal or exceed the cost of your solar panels. This depends on several factors, such as your system size, cost, performance, savings, and incentives. The average break-even point for solar panels in Ireland is around 7-10 years, but it may vary depending on your situation.

Q: How long do solar panels last?

A: Solar panels are designed to last for 25 years or more, but they may degrade slightly over time. The degradation rate depends on the quality and type of the solar panels, but it is usually around 0.5-1% per year. This means that after 25 years, your solar panels may still produce around 80-90% of their original output.

Q: Do solar panels work in cloudy or rainy weather?

A: Solar panels can still work in cloudy or rainy weather, but they will produce less electricity than in sunny conditions. The amount of electricity that they produce depends on the intensity and duration of the sunlight that reaches them. Generally, solar panels can produce around 10-25% of their normal output in cloudy or rainy weather.

Q: Do solar panels increase the value of my home?

A: Solar panels can increase the value of your home by making it more attractive and energy-efficient for potential buyers. According to a study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, solar panels can add around €4,000 per kW of installed capacity to the value of your home. However, this may vary depending on your location, market conditions, and system characteristics.

Q: Do I need planning permission to install solar panels?

A: In most cases, you do not need planning permission to install solar panels on your roof, as long as they meet certain criteria, such as:

They do not exceed 50% of the total roof area or 12 square metres, whichever is smaller.
They do not project more than 15 cm from the roof surface.
They do not extend beyond the roof edge.
They are not higher than the highest part of the roof.

However, there may be some exceptions or restrictions depending on your location, property type, and conservation status. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your local authority before installing solar panels on your roof.