Reasons for High Pre-Solar Electric Bills

There are a few common reasons why homeowners often look to make the switch to solar power as their primary power source in the home, from sustainability priorities to cost efficiency factors, and one great example in this latter category is high electrical bills. Homes that use lots of power on a regular basis can benefit in especially large ways from the switch to solar - but what are some of the reasons why your bills might be high in the first place, prompting such a change?

At Intermountain Wind & Solar, we're here to offer a wide range of commercial and residential solar power installation and related services to clients around SLC, Utah and Boise, Idaho. We help clients assess all their energy and power needs within the home, plus advise on how our solar panels will be able to meet your needs in a more sustainable way. Here are some of the most common causes we see for high electric bills when clients come to us looking for solutions, plus the value of a solar power system for offsetting these needs.

Common Reasons for High Electric Bills

There are several major factors that may be causing your energy bills to skyrocket, including the following:

• Lack of insulation: Many homes suffer from poor insulation, leading to significant losses in heating and cooling power. This often prompts homeowners to crank up their air conditioning or heat to compensate, which can lead to high electric bills.
• Inefficient appliances: Older appliances are notorious for being inefficient and using large amounts of power. Newer, Energy Star-rated appliances can save significant amounts on energy costs.
• Large living spaces: Larger homes require more heating and cooling power to maintain a comfortable temperature - this means higher energy bills.
• Poor HVAC maintenance: Heating and cooling systems that are not properly maintained can cause high electric bills. Changing filters regularly, for example, can prevent HVAC systems from working harder than necessary.
• Frequent use of high-energy appliances: Some appliances that require a lot of energy to operate, such as washing machines and dryers, can quickly rack up the monthly electric bill when used frequently.
• Global energy costs: As the demand for energy continues to rise globally, so do energy costs. This can result in higher electric bills for homeowners.
• Increasing use of home offices: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, and even slightly before then, trends toward remote work have been increasing. As such, many households are seeing an increase in their electric bills due to the use of home offices.
• Electric vehicle charging: Another trend that is on the rise, and beneficial to both individuals and the environment, is electric vehicles. However, charging these vehicles at home can consume a significant amount of energy and cause an increase in monthly bills.

The Power of Solar for Offsetting High Electric Bills

All of these reasons play a role in high electric bills - but how can solar power help with them? For starters, solar systems can help reduce the amount of electricity needed to power a home. By using energy from the sun, solar panels can generate their own electricity to meet a portion or all of a home's energy needs.

Additionally, if your state offers net metering programs, you may be able to receive credits for excess energy produced by your solar system that is sent back to the grid. This can help offset electric bills even further, potentially resulting in zero monthly costs for energy. Furthermore, solar panels are more efficient and cost-effective than ever before, making them a viable option for homeowners looking to save on their energy bills.

Other Tips for Lowering Electric Consumption

Now, even if you install a solar power system, there are still measures you can take to help lower your electric consumption and reduce your energy usage even further. These include:

• Using energy-efficient lighting: LED bulbs use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Turning off lights when not in use: Simple yet effective, turning off lights when leaving a room or during the day can make a big difference in energy consumption.
• Investing in a programmable thermostat: This allows you to control the temperature in your home more accurately to avoid overuse of heating and cooling systems.
• Switching to solar-powered outdoor lighting: Solar lights use energy from the sun, making them a more sustainable option for outdoor lighting needs.

Switching to solar power can help homeowners reduce their monthly electric bills significantly, while also promoting sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. Contact us at Intermountain Wind & Solar to learn more about how we can help you make a smooth transition to solar power for your home or business, whether you're in SLC, Utah, Boise, Idaho or any nearby area of either state.