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 Tampa Electric 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 Tampa Electric Co does offer?
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : http://www.tampaelectric.com/residential/saveenergy/
Applicable Sectors : Construction, Residential, Multifamily Residential
Incentive Amount : Energy Audit: FREE Prime Time Plus: FREE Energy Planner: FREE Ductwork Program: Discount-Eligible Ceiling Insulation: $0.15 per square foot Window Replacement: $0.76 per square foot Heating and Cooling Heat Pumps: $135 Straight Cool/ Natural Gas Heat: $135 Heat Pump Mini Split: $135 Geothermal Systems: $135 Smart Thermostats: Up to $50 Pool Pump: Up to $350 Weatherization: Free for qualifying homes
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : http://www.tampaelectric.com/business/saveenergy/
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial
Incentive Amount : Energy Audit: Free Facility Energy Management System: 50% of project costs Chiller: $50/kW reduction over baseline Smart Thermostats: 50% of project costs up to $4,500 Variable Frequency Drive Control for Compressors: $50/HP Conservation Projects: up to $92/kW reduction will be paid based on the peak-demand savings Electric Unitary Air Conditioners: $19/ton Lighting (Conditioned Space): $250/kW Lighting (Unconditioned Space): $200/kW Lighting Occupancy Sensors: $40/unit Load Management (Cyclic): $3/kW Load Management (Continuous): $3.50/kW Standby Generator Program: $6.15/average transferred kW demand Water Heating: $0.0100/Btu up to a maximum of 50% of project cost
Implementing Sector : Utility
Installing and connecting your solar system
When you install a solar system in Tampa Electric Co territory, these are steps you can expect to go through:
Once you’ve hired a contractor, you will need to communicate with Tampa Electric 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 Tampa Electric Co customers?
The short and sweet answer is a resounding YES. Going solar is definitely worth it for Tampa Electric 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 Tampa Electric 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.
