Now that your panels are installed and the system is energized, you might be asking yourself, “What happens now?”
Congratulations on your switch to solar! You’ve taken an exciting step toward saving money and helping the planet. Learn what to expect from your new solar system and how to make the most of it.
Two electric bills
If you went solar with a PPA (power purchase agreement), lease, or loan, you’ll now receive two bills: one from your solar finance partner and one from your utility company. If you bought your system outright, you’ll only get a utility bill.
You still have a utility bill because your home must stay tapped into the grid. This connection ensures you have power at night or when you need more energy than your system is currently producing (like on a very cloudy day).
It’s natural to think that having two bills will cost you more money. Not with solar! Solar offsets your use of expensive utility electricity. Your overall energy costs become more predictable and, oftentimes, more affordable.
Savings through the seasons
Different times of the year bring varying amounts of sunlight and savings. It could take a few months to see a drop in energy costs, or you may experience a decrease right away. In either case, we encourage you to look at savings on a 12-month cycle.
Here’s how the seasons affect your solar system:
- Spring & summer: Your system generates more electricity thanks to the plentiful sunshine and longer days.
- Fall & winter: On shorter days when sunlight is more scarce, production may be reduced.
Remember that throughout the year and over your system’s lifetime, energy production balances out and savings grow.
Another contributor to overall savings is net metering. Depending on where you live, you may be able to earn credits from your utility company in exchange for excess solar power you send back to the grid. These credits are automatically applied to your utility bill. When you use energy from the grid, the credits you earned on sunny days help cover those costs. Learn more about net metering.
Maintenance
Homeownership comes with a lot of responsibilities. The last thing you need is another chore added to your to-do list. Fortunately, solar panels require little to no maintenance. Rain naturally washes away dirt and debris that block sunlight. If you want to wash panels on your own, simply spraying them with a garden hose from the ground should do the trick.
Monitoring
Check your agreement to see what tools you have for monitoring panel production. Watching your system generate clean, renewable energy never gets old. On bright and sunny days, you might even see your electric meter move backwards as you send extra solar energy to the utility grid!
Tax credits
If you bought your system outright or went solar with a loan, you might qualify for a federal solar tax credit for up to 30% of the system cost.
It’s time to shine
Your panels are installed. Your home is running on clean energy. And the best part? Your solar journey has only just begun. Now, enjoy the good vibes that come from tapping into an affordable, renewable energy source.
If you have questions or need support, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our Customer Service team at 888-865-7300 or email customer.service@trinity-solar.com
