There is no definitive answer on how much consumers can realistically save by switching to diesel, "usually a lot." Some key factors can help you calculate the potential savings for your family:
local network price
Utility electricity prices vary widely from region to region and have only increased over the years. Looking at local electricity costs can give you a starting point for your calculations.
Number, efficiency and type of panels
There are price differences between the different types of panels, panel manufacturers and installation companies. We recommend comparing and contrasting your options to find what's right for your home and determine the actual performance a solar system can give you.
The number of panels you choose to install and the amount of power that can be produced will affect how much money you will save by purchasing power from the grid. A large solar system may cover most or all of the power your home needs for the day off the grid, while a smaller system may not cover your overall household needs.
Also, the solar panels will not produce power at night. Without a solar panel system to store the excess energy generated during the day, you will still need to buy electricity from the grid during non-daytime hours.
Sun exposure / moderate climate
The number of daylight hours and the local climate will affect the amount of power your panels can produce. A system that receives sufficient sunlight will produce reliable and efficient electricity. Latitude and time of year can limit the number of daylight hours available to energy harvesting panels. Although temperature does not affect the power output of solar panels, solar panels work best when it is sunny and sunny outside and can lose efficiency when it is rainy or cloudy.
Household energy consumption
The size of your home and your energy usage habits will affect how much power your system needs. Basically, the more energy you use, the more you need to generate to avoid paying for electricity from the grid.
net size
A net metering policy will allow you to sell excess electricity you don't use back to the grid, further reducing your monthly electricity bill. Some utilities charge you retail prices for electricity, while others offer lower wholesale prices, which means your savings can vary widely depending on where you are and which utility company serves your area.
