The answer is: it varies. Sure, once you have solar panels installed on your home, you'll be able to run household appliances at a fraction of what you were once paying to energy companies. But one major financial motivating factor for owners of solar panels has been to achieve a net gain in energy: to get paid "by" the energy companies for pouring energy back "in" to the grid.
If that's been your aspiration as well, there's some good news to report.
On December 12th, a big-time agreement took place between advocates of solar energy and energy utilities: utilities will be required to pay the full retail power rate to homeowners (as well as businesses) when their solar panels deliver electricity to the power companies-and not vice versa. Although the settlement is not a law in and of itself, it is a potential move in the right direction. In addition to a law passed several months before, the settlement is a major step forward for proponents of solar energy.
What does this mean for you, the potential consumer? Let's take a look:
* INCREASED FINANCIAL INCENTIVES. Put a metering agreement in place today in South Carolina and every prospective owner of solar panels will have a far greater financial incentive to make the investment: by putting money back "into" the grid, the solar panel owner gives up very little while getting more in return. True, not every check from an energy utility will be great, but it will help offset the initial investment and help provide returns in the long run.
* ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY ENERGY. With solar panel owners encouraged to put money back into the grid, that means that everyone who enjoys using energy utilities in South Carolina will get to partake in a greater contribution from solar energy. Sure, it's only one home at a time, but every little bit helps-and every new solar panels is a step in the right direction.
* GREAT NEWS FOR HOMESTEADERS. If you've ever had an independent streak, you know how great it can be to pump your own well-water, or grow your own vegetables in a home garden. The potentially increased incentive for putting energy "into" the grid rather than drawing from it is great news for anyone who had already considered being a source of power rather than a drain of power.
For advocates of solar-powered energy sources, these steps forward are great news. They indicate that South Carolina is heading in the right direction when it comes to alternative energies. But for the individual considering solar panels, it may be even better news: it means that any potential investment you make in solar panels "could" end up paying long-term dividends. If you've been attracted to solar energy for the idea of putting energy back into the system rather than continuing to draw from it, month after month, things are looking rather sunny for you these days.
