I'm looking for advice on how to start reducing my electric bill, ideally getting it down to zero, or at least making a substantial cut during the peak months. I live in Ohio and work as a civil engineer with a basic understanding of electricity, but I'm eager to learn more. My monthly electricity usage varies: about 1200 kWh in winter, 700 kWh in spring and fall, and roughly 1650 kWh in the summer due to central AC. I have a wood burner for winter and use a propane furnace in spring and fall when it's not too cold. I plan to install solar panels on my horse barn, which is positioned about 10 degrees west of south. My home is approximately 4000 sq. ft. and I'm slowly renovating it to improve insulation and windows. Another goal is to transition to electric heating in the fall and spring, eliminating propane use altogether, and I'd like to ensure I have enough capacity to run essentials during a power outage for about two days. My electricity bill peaks at around $300, so I'm also curious about the ROI for this solar investment. Any advice on where to start?
2 Answers
You're on the right track by considering solar! To get a clearer picture of your energy needs, it would be helpful to look at your daily usage patterns. You might want to check with your electric utility for hourly readings; it’ll give you insight into when you use the most power and help size your solar system accurately. Also, since you're considering integration with your current heating systems, look into whether they support net metering—this way, you can earn credits for any energy you produce beyond what you use.
You've got a significant property, so be prepared to install a good number of solar panels. For your situation, if you want to divert excess power for home heating or backup systems, you might consider battery storage options. Something like the EG4 6000XP units could work well for you. They can help balance energy use and manage the flow to your hot water systems efficiently. Just keep in mind, simplifying your system might save you some headaches, so aim for a straightforward setup where net metering is allowed.