Spring Energy-Saving Tips for Solar Powered Homes

If you’re like most homeowners who have gone solar, you appreciate the opportunity to save a few dollars. Maximizing your home’s efficiency not only helps the environment, it also shortens the time it takes to reach the point when your home solar system has paid for itself. In other words, it increases your return on investment.

With spring just around the corner, it’s a good time to begin thinking about ways to keep your solar home cool and comfortable while maintaining energy efficiency.

Take a Close Look at Your Windows

In warm climates like Arizona, windows are the biggest source of energy loss in a home. To minimize energy waste and slash cooling costs, you may want to consider adding window coverings. Reflective window film can help block the sun and reduce heat gain. Mesh screens and insulated window panels are other options. Shades, blinds, and curtains can also help reduce energy loss.

Swap Out the Thermostat

Once temperatures hit the triple digits, it’s very tempting to crank the air conditioner. Do your best to resist that urge and set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible. Remember – you’ll reduce your energy use and cost by minimizing the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures.

A programmable thermostat can make this all easier by enabling you to preset temperature changes based on the time of the day. You may even want to consider a smart thermostat which tracks your energy use and helps you better reduce your solar energy waste.

Turn on the Fans

Air circulation is the key to remaining comfortable with the thermostat turned slightly higher. Ceiling fans provide effective, consistent cooling and can actually enable you to raise the thermostat by four degrees or more without impacting comfort.

Cool Blew Solar is your home solar expert. Call us today at 623-234-2836 to schedule an in-home, free quote, and find out how much you can save with a solar-powered home this summer.

FAQ's

Is Solar Energy Expensive?

The size of your panel installation and the needs of your home will affect your costs. The average net cost of a 5.69kW system is $13,838 cash after 30% rebate (according to solar-estimate.org). An average-sized system can cost up to $35,000. Larger installations will require more hardware, planning and construction time. This can further increase costs. While solar panels are expensive, they have many distinct benefits. Cool Blew Electric & Solar’s experts can assess your situation and goals and recommend a cost-effective system to meet your needs.

How Much Can I Save By Installing Solar Panels?

An average-sized system (5 kilowatts) can reduce up to 50% of your monthly electricity bill. A 5.69kW system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $138. Over a period of 20 years, these savings can add up to $30,000, based on your location and energy usage.

How Long Would It Take to Recoup My Solar Investment by Solar Energy Savings?

With a 5.69kW Solar system you would recoup your savings in 7 years and 2 months but with continuous Utility increases every year your Return and Investment will be much sooner.

What is a Solar Lease Program?

The Solar Lease Program has been one the most popular option that homeowners have chosen over the years. Solar Lease programs gives homeowners the opportunity to take advantage and put Solar on their homes and a guaranteed savings from their Utility for little to no money out of pocket. Most Leases are 20 year power guarantee from the solar provider and includes fixed monthly payments, no repair cost, fully insured and warrantied for the life of the system.

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