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Solar vs. grid power: how much can you save?
Electricity rates are on the rise. The U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that electricity prices in the U.S. rose 6.2% in 2023 alone.
Homeowners across the country are looking for ways to reduce their energy costs and many are turning to solar energy. But just how much can you save with solar and is it worth the investment?
Solar customers can often save tens of thousands of dollars over the lifespan of their solar system. To determine exactly how much you can save, you’ll have to do a little math.
Compare your current cost per kW from Potomac Electric Power Co with the cost per kW of your solar system. Then calculate your monthly or yearly expenses across a 25-year period. Finally, subtract your total cost of energy with solar from your total of energy from the grid to determine your savings
A simpler way to estimate your savings potential is to compare your current monthly energy costs with your projected solar payments. If your energy costs are higher than your solar payments, there is a good chance you will see savings.
At Solar Cost Calculator, we suggest that anybody paying more than $100 a month for electricity should consider solar.
What solar incentives Potomac Electric Power Co does offer?
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.dcseu.com/commercial-and-multifamily?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwpuajBhBpEiwA_ZtfhZbZMuNyzhFsRiUdhNNiQ6IdIsoO6OxenqXWmVSZ0e86rL8xN0fHbxoCewAQAvD_BwE
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Multifamily Residential, Low Income Residential
Incentive Amount : Instant Lighting from Participating Distributor Between $5 - $45 per tube/fixture. See distributor list and website for more information Lighting Incentives vary widely by lighting type and lumen count. See program website for complete offerings. HVAC Commercial Heat Pumps & Air Conditioning Commercial Air Source Heat Pumps, Small, Split: $300 - $450 Commercial Air Source Heat Pumps, Small, Single: $300 - $450 Large Commercial Air Source Heat Pumps: $500 - $650 Affordable Multifamily Heat Pumps & Air Conditioning Central Air Conditioners: $300 - $650 Air Source Heat Pump: $650 - $850 Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $550 - $1050 Smart Thermostat: $100 Refrigeration, Food, & Vending Equipment Reach-in Refrigerators: $75-225 standard, $110-340 small business Freezers: $100-350 standard, $150-525 small business Evaporation Fan Motors: $125/fan or motor standard, $175/fan or motor small business Add Doors for Reach-in Refrigerators or Freezers: $40/foot standard, $60/foot small business Strip Curtains, Walk-in Refrigeration or Freezers: $15/foot standard, $20/foot small business Continuous Covers, Reach-in Refrigeration or Freezers: $20/foot standard, $25/foot small business Spray Rinse Valve (≤ 1.0 GPM): $40 standard, $60 small business Vending Machine Controllers: $50 Plug-Load Occupancy Sensor: $20 Motors Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) 2-15hp: $150 per hp standard, $200/hp income-qualified. VFDs > 15hp: custom, see website Income Qualified Appliances Dehumidifier: $35 Refrigerator: $75 - $100 Clothes Dryer: $75 - $200 Clothes Washer: $75 - $100
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.dcseu.com/homes
Applicable Sectors : Residential, Low Income Residential
Incentive Amount : Appliances Clothes Dryers: $75-$200 Clothes Washers: $75-$100 Refrigerators: $75-$100 Smart Thermostat: up to $50 Dehumidifiers: $35 Electric Push Mower: $75 Electric Riding Lawn Mower: $500 Heating and Cooling Air Source Heat Pumps: $375 - $700 Variable Speed (Ductless) Mini-Split Heat Pumps: $375 - $700 Central Air Conditioners: $250 - $375 Variable Speed Mini-Split Air Conditioners: $125 Smart Thermostat: $50 Heat Pump Water Heater: $600
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Regulatory Policy
Website : https://www.pepco.com/SmartEnergy/MyGreenPowerConnection/Pages/GettingStarted.aspx
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Low Income Residential
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://homeenergysavings.pepco.com/business/applyMLB?_ga=2.121639691.1070240287.1533837187-1129095877.1533837187
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Schools, Federal Government, Agricultural, Institutional
Incentive Amount : Lighting: Varies Commercial Refrigeration Equipment: Varies Residential Air Conditioners: $25/unit Air Conditioner Units: $300/ton Water-Cooled Air Conditioners: $350 Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners: $75 - $125/unit Packaged Terminal Heat Pumps: $75 - $125/unit Air Source Heat Pump: $350/ton Ductless, Mini-Split Air Conditioners and Heat Pump: $225/ton Water Source Heat Pump: $300/ton Ground Source Heat Pumps: $350/ton Ground Water Source Heat Pumps: $350/ton Variable Refrigerant Flow: $350/ton Variable Frequency Drives (VFD): $1,800 - $5,000/unit (2 - 10 HP), $50/HP (15 - 20 HP) Electronically Commutated Motors: $100 - $400/unit Constant Speed Chiller: $15 - $24/ton (Base), $6 - $8/ton (Performance) VFD Chiller: $8 - $10/ton Smart Thermostats: $50/unit Hotel Room HVAC Controls: $70/room Receptacle Controls: $10/unit “Smart” Power Strips: $10/unit Vending Machine Refrigerated Control: $75/unit Vending Machine Control: $30/unit Heat Pump Water Heater: $500 - $1,000/unit Clothes Washer: $100 - $200/unit Dehumidifier: $25/unit Variable Speed Air Compressor: $100 - $125/HP Window Film: $1/sq. ft. Monitor: $5/unit Computer: $5/unit Copier: $10/unit Printer: $10/unit Multifunction: $10/unit Uninterruptible Power Supply: $40 per kVa Tune-Up: Varies Custom: $0.25 - $0.28/kWh
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : http://homeenergysavings.pepco.com/home-performance-with-energy-star-program
Applicable Sectors : Residential
Incentive Amount : Home Energy Assessment: Discounted by $300 (from $400 to $100) Home Performance Program: Up to $10,000 Air Sealing and Insulation: Tax Credit of 30% of project cost Energy Star Heat Pump Water Heater: Tax Credit of 30% of project cost
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.pepco.com/WaysToSave/ForYourHome/Pages/MD/RebatesAndDiscounts.aspx
Applicable Sectors : Residential, Integrators
Incentive Amount : Appliances Heat Pump Water Heater: $1,600 Smart Thermostat: $100 Recycling Recycling Refrigerator/Freezer: $50 Recycling Room AC/Dehumidifier: $25
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Pages/lieep/default.aspx
Applicable Sectors :
Incentive Amount : Direct installation, no cost to the recipient
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Regulatory Policy
Website : https://www.psc.state.md.us/electricity/community-solar-pilot-program/
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Nonprofit, Residential, Schools, State Government, Federal Government, Agricultural, Multifamily Residential, Low Income Residential
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
Net metering with Potomac Electric Power Co
Category : Regulatory Policy
Website : https://www.pepco.com/SmartEnergy/MyGreenPowerConnection/Pages/GettingStarted.aspx
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Low Income Residential
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
Installing and connecting your solar system
When you install a solar system in Potomac Electric Power Co territory, these are steps you can expect to go through:
Once you’ve hired a contractor, you will need to communicate with Potomac Electric Power Co to prepare the interconnection paper. Your contractor will handle most of these responsibilities
After the interconnection agreement has been finalized, your contractor can begin the installation process.
Once your system is installed, it needs to be inspected for safety and code compliance.
After the final inspection, you will receive a written notice within a few days that your system is approved to operate. You can turn on the system yourself or you can contact your installer for further assistance.
Most homeowners prefer to do it themselves. The whole process should only take 10 - 15 minutes.
Is solar worth it for Potomac Electric Power Co customers?
The short and sweet answer is a resounding YES. Going solar is definitely worth it for Potomac Electric Power Co customers. The average homeowner in _UtilityCompanyName_ can save an estimated #### over the lifespan of their solar system.
Going solar is a long game so you need to think several years ahead. It can take a few years to hit your break even period. But between net metering and solar incentives, you can drastically reduce that timeframe.
Want to get an idea for what it will cost you to go solar with Potomac Electric Power Co? You can use our Solar Cost Calculator to generate a customized estimate instantly. We take into consideration a wide range of criteria including location, electric bill, roof size, and other factors. Try it out today and start planning for your future.