Florida Family’s Solar Panels Slim Their Electric Bill to $7
When it comes to saving money on electricity, Greenacres, Florida is the place to be. Residents Brian and Maria Willever used to pay $350 a month for electricity. This month, however, their bill from Florida Power and Light was $7.05.
In fact, Brian Willever says FPL actually owes him money. For them, life in Greenacres has put green in their pocketbook – ever since the couple went green with solar energy.
The Willevers took advantage of state and federal solar rebates to save 40% on green improvements to their home, which included a residential solar power system, a solar water heater and foam insulation for the attic. The couple used an interest-free loan to cover part of the $100,000 upfront costs.
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The Willevers have already received more than $30,000 in federal tax credits. Another $10,250 are due to them in state rebates.
The 11.73-kilowatt solar power system consists of 51 solar panels, significantly higher than the average 1 to 5-kilowatt system (average system costs are about $20,000 to $40,000, before rebates).
So, what was the ultimate goal? To make their 3-bedroom home completely independent of conventional power. And they have already accomplished that goal. The couple’s solar power system now produces more energy than the home consumes. In an interview, Brian stated that he expects the system to pay for itself in 7½ to 8½ years.
Nationwide, energy utilities are mandated to invest in clean energy like wind and solar. To help meet those requirements, most electrical companies purchase excess energy generated by residential solar systems.
For every megawatt-hour of energy produced, one Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) is earned. The amount paid for each SREC differs from state to state, and can be as high as $600. The Willevers are waiting to be reimbursed for three months of excess energy from FPL.
Brian wrote to his congressional representative, Ted Deutch, about his self-sustaining home, and Deutch will include a visit to the Willever home as part of his initiative to investigate energy-related issues.
Florida implemented a state rebate program for homeowners and business owners who installed solar power systems. The program ended, however, before all the rebates were paid. The Willevers and others are waiting for a settlement that will determine the amount of their rebates.
However, new programs continue to appear. The FPL recently joined other Florida utilities in establishing a rebate program for residential and business customers who install solar power systems, paying up to $20,000 for residential systems and up to $50,000 for business systems. A $1,000 rebate for a solar water heating system is also available.
For Brian Willever, the economical advantages were a bonus. While Brian stated that part of the reason he undertook the home improvements was to support local contractors, his decision to go solar was more about ecology than economy. Brian has also purchased a eco-friendly lawn mower, and is in line to buy all-electric Nissan Leaf car.
“My goal is to be off of any type of fossil fuel,” he said. Bravo!
Posted on August 23rd in Going Solar by Brittany.