General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWe bought community solar and are showing our first profit!!! (UPDATED)
We invested in 15 shares. It was all they offered us.
By request, here is the generation dashboard link: https://pubdisplay.alsoenergy.com/kiosk/18014398509527082?dashkey=2a5669734965576e4a43513d3d&tag=4246267
Wicked Blue
(5,767 posts)Solar is wonderful.
We got solar panels several years ago. Average monthly electric bill is between $8.50 and $12.50 an hour.
Cracklin Charlie
(12,904 posts)Im really not sure what to expect. Are you talking about billing for kilowatt hours used?
I need to go and find my last bill (without panels), so that I can start making comparisons.
Wicked Blue
(5,767 posts)or do you have a lease-purchase plan?
We have a plan where SunRun gets the profits from the energy savings and the excess energy sold back to the utility for 20 years to pay for the solar panels. We get the low electric bills and a very small annual rebate check from the utility. When the 20 years are up, we own the panels, but in the meantime they are responsible for maintenance.
Cracklin Charlie
(12,904 posts)We havent gotten through all the paperwork yet, because we failed an inspection for a minor issue, and have to get that resolved.
We kind of went into it with the idea of getting help with our electric bill in summer, and anything else would be a bonus. We had just gotten an enormous oak tree, that was ten feet from our house removed, and were suddenly flooded with sun. I got up one Saturday morning, and my husband says were getting solar panels.
So, when you say you get a low electric bill, how low are we talkin?
Wicked Blue
(5,767 posts)but this year it's about $12.50 a month. I think it's distribution charges or something like that.
Our natural gas bill is averaged at $71 a month, so our total monthly energy bill comes to less than $100. Heat is from a 14-year-old gas furnace, though it was considered energy efficient when bought. We have the HVAC system maintained twice a year and it has been well worth it. We also have natural gas hot water and stove.
When we moved here 23 years ago I gradually made energy saving improvements as we became able to afford them. Here's a list:
Extra insulation in the attic
CFL light bulbs, now LEDs
New siding over the old, with insulating panels under the siding
Energy efficient windows, which have made a huge difference
A roof with white, slightly reflective shingles to keep it cooler in the Maryland summer
A roof ridge vent, because the attic used to get so hot that the ceiling underneath felt hot to touch in summer. Now it doesn't
Energy-efficient storm doors, doors and sliding doors
Energy Star appliances when the old ones died. I did the research before they broke, so we didn't have to be rushed into making a purchase
Little things like closing curtains and blinds to keep the sun out in the summer.
Some kind of tiny ceramic bits that can be stirred into paint to provide extra insulation properties. I have no way of knowing if this helped, but figured it was worth trying.
I also have a clothesline in the back yard and love hanging wet clothes outside, weather permitting. They smell so nice afterward. I also try to avoid using the electric dryer during peak electric demand hours on summer afternoons.
Cracklin Charlie
(12,904 posts)We have a lot of those things already, and hubs is constantly doing more. He recently put some motion light switches on wall switches that we mistakenly leave on (laundry room, pantry). Those things are slick!
I would love to have a proper clothesline. Maybe Ill ask for one for my birthday.
That electric bill sounds like exactly what I was hoping for.
Wicked Blue
(5,767 posts)using 2 large eye screws. I bought vinyl clothesline but can't recall where. I'm sure Amazon carries it.
Unfortunately wood clothespins these days are of terrible quality and come apart easily.
Also, we don't have a homeowners association where we live. Many HOAs prohibit clotheslines. Nonetheless, mine is sent up so the neighbors don't get to admire my underwear.
Omaha Steve
(99,073 posts)Wicked Blue
(5,767 posts)womanofthehills
(8,584 posts)The first five yrs totally off grid. Had it with batteries, so I finally connected to the grid. I started with some used solar panels my boyfriend scored and kept adding. My well pump is also powered by its own solar panel - so I have a large water holding tank. Saves me so much money esp in winter. I get small checks from my electric co-op twice a yr.
viva la
(3,229 posts)I wonder if it's available everywhere.
Omaha Steve
(99,073 posts)https://www.oppd.com/residential/products-services/community-solar-program/what-is-community-solar/
Solar Power in the U.S.
42 states have at least one community solar project.
Minnesota produces the most community solar energy in the country, with 379 megawatts of capacity as of July 2018.
As of March 2018, 1,023 megawatts of community solar have been brought online.
The chart below shows the progress of community solar in the U.S. since 2010.