It has been a hot, dry summer. If you have solar panels, you certainly produced a significant amount of power over the last several months. However, you may be surprised to learn that the hottest days of summer are not always the days of greatest panel efficiency. In fact, cooler, sunny days see higher power levels. In other words, spring, fall and winter are when you’ll likely see some of your most efficient days reaching maximum power. However, it’s also important to consider that fall and winter days have shorter days with less sunlight.
However, here in the Valley of the Sun, you don’t need to worry too much about solar production any time of the year. In fact, the sunny days of spring, summer and fall typically mean over-production which enables you to be carried through the shorter, darker days of late fall and winter. This is the benefit of net metering with your utility company.
How Does Net Metering Work?
On sunny days, solar panels distribute power past your meter which can actually make it run backwards. This helps you gain credits on our utility bill that can be used at a future date – like during those less sunny winter months. In some cases, solar can zero out your electricity costs. Thus, what you would otherwise be paying for electricity can help to pay for your solar system. Once your system is paid off, that money can be used for other things – like vacations, retirement savings or college tuition for the kids.
And, solar is actually far more affordable than you think. At Cool Blew Solar, we’re all about helping you get started with low or no upfront costs. We encourage you to get a free solar home visit and learn more about the advantages of going solar. Call us today at 623-234-2836.