Seasonal temperature changes lead to fluctuations in power consumption, resulting in a higher monthly electricity bill during the summer and winter months. When properly installed, solar power solutions offer homeowners a way to mitigate these seasonal spikes with several financial and environmental advantages.
This article provides homeowners the information they need to tackle seasonal spikes in their monthly electricity bills using optimized solar installations.
What is a Seasonal Electricity Spike?
In hotter or colder months, homes expend more energy regulating the temperature. These spikes in electrical use can be measured year-round, focusing on summer and winter months, when the monthly electricity bill tends to be at its highest. However, temperature irregularities are not the only reason for seasonal electricity spikes. Not only do homeowners use more power during certain seasons, but the power itself is also more expensive.
During seasons of high demand, utility providers adjust their prices to account for the increased strain on the power grid. According to the Electricity Information Administration, power costs are higher in the summer because utility providers adopt more expensive power generation sources to meet increased demand.
Regardless of the cause, seasonal electricity spikes produce a proportional spike in homeowners’ utility bills. Major energy providers such as BGE are already leveraging multi-year price hikes to meet rising inflation and infrastructure costs, so homeowners need a way to mitigate the financial strain of these spikes.
Seasonal Benefits of Solar Power Installations
Solar power installations help homeowners save on power year-round. However, these savings are most pronounced during peak seasons. Solar installations are more efficient during summer due to the increased sunlight. This power generation can offset the home’s increased power consumption by regulating its temperature without drawing more power from the grid.
Solar panels are less active during the winter months due to decreased sunlight. However, modern photovoltaic cells can still generate power on overcast days, improving one of the original pain points of relying on solar to power a home year-round.
Additionally, homeowners can store excess solar energy from the summer months and sell it to their utility providers as Renewable Energy Credits to offset high power costs in the winter. Solar energy is also cleaner and more renewable, allowing homeowners to apply for state programs and grants that incentivize solar power.
How to Implement Solar Power Installations
Successful implementation of solar power requires careful planning. These four steps can help homeowners prepare their homes and finances for their new solar energy project:
1. Assess Energy Needs
Homeowners should thoroughly evaluate their energy consumption patterns to assess their solar panel needs. Homeowners can customize their solar installations for maximum cost efficiency by knowing their peak daily and seasonal usage times.
2. Properly Size the Space
Solar arrays must be properly sized and placed to make sure that energy production aligns with consumption. Important factors include the roof’s orientation, the shade’s location throughout the day, and the available space in the home. Experienced installers can customize the size and location of the solar installation to optimize it for each home.
3. Understand Financial Options
Homeowners should understand the incentives available to them when installing new solar arrays. Tax credits, state-funded rebates, and financing programs can help homeowners reduce the upfront costs of solar power while reaping its benefits. Maryland offers numerous incentives for homeowners willing to adopt renewable energy. This is why a local solar installer who understands state incentives is essential to maintaining financial stability after switching to solar.
4. Review and Maintain Your Installation
Even after installing solar power, the installation must be regularly maintained to support its longevity and efficiency. Usage monitoring tools allow homeowners to track their energy production and consumption, observe seasonal spikes, and respond with maintenance when needed.
Partner With Energy Select to Tackle Monthly Electricity Bill Spikes in Your Home
Addressing seasonal spikes requires a proactive approach. Solar power provides a viable and affordable solution to energy production that homeowners can adjust to mitigate their specific financial risks in different seasons.
Homeowners who invest in solar technology can gain greater control over their expenses while positively contributing to their environment. At Energy Select, we customize solar installations for homeowners’ needs and offer regular maintenance to establish that the installation maintains its productivity year-round. Contact our team today to learn how new solar installations can make a difference in your monthly electricity bills.