Hey everyone! I remember a solar sales rep telling me I would save "thousands a month"—what a promise, right? After installing my solar system, I decided to dive into the actual numbers, and it's been eye-opening. According to EnergySage, the average U.S. homeowner saves about $1,500 a year on electricity bills, amounting to around $50,000 over 25 years. My monthly bills have dropped significantly, and I expect to recover my investment in about 4-6 years. However, I also see promises of instant zero bills and massive savings in pitches, but the reality is that solar systems save you gradually while also increasing your home's value. Plus, with tax credits and contributions to a greener earth, the benefits go beyond just financial savings! I'd love to hear your experiences:
- How much have you saved since going solar?
- Did your actual savings match (or exceed) what the sales pitches promised?
- Any tips for getting a great deal on solar installation?
5 Answers
I did a DIY solar installation and saved about $1,500 per year! My system is oversized for cloudy days, and since it's off-grid, I don’t do net metering. Living in Florida means I really appreciate having power after hurricanes, too!
I went with a DIY off-grid system and save around $20-30 monthly. Mostly for backup power in Florida, not so much for savings. But it’s nice knowing I can run my essential appliances for hours!
Over the last five years, my system has covered an average of 86% of my electricity use, saving me around $2,000 annually (not including system costs). Sure, there are maybe better financial investments, but when you factor in long-term savings and environmental impact, going solar feels like a solid choice! We have net metering, and I wish I could've installed a larger system!
Before going solar, my bill with SDGE in California was around $250-$300 a month, hitting up to $600 in summer! After installing solar and forking out just $91 last year, it feels like a wise investment—especially since SDGE has the highest rates in the country! Got a 30% tax rebate, so yes, I’m happy despite the fact that it’s a SunPower system.
I built my own solar setup for about $30,000, and it's running almost everything in my house. The biggest relief? I no longer worry about power outages when I’m traveling for work; it’s priceless!